Wound and bandage protection system and method

ABSTRACT

A wound/bandage protector configured as a wrap, a sock/mitten, or a bandage may be made out of stretchable material. The wrap may have one or more fastening straps as well as possibly a first catch fastening surface. The sock/mitten may have a fastening strap and a sheath. The wrap, the sock/mitten, and the bandages may have apertures and aperture covers. In addition, the wound/bandage protectors as well as the bandages may have diamond or triangular gauze configurations with the gauze pad having three or four primary corners, the primary corners of the gauze pad in most instances being oriented towards edges of the body portion or length or width tangents of the body portion, preferably mid-points or mid-sections of the length or width tangents or body portion edges.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Divisional Application of U.S. application Ser.No. 15/831,692 filed Dec. 5, 2017, which is a Continuation Applicationof U.S. application Ser. No. 13/807,404 filed Dec. 28, 2012, which is anational stage filing under 35 U.S.C. 371 of PCT/US2011/042216 filedJun. 28, 2011, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional applicationSer. No. 61,453,341 filed Mar. 16, 2011, is a Continuation-in-Partapplication of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/004,866 filed Jan. 11, 2011,claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/360,873filed Jul. 1, 2010, and is a Continuation-in-Part application of U.S.application Ser. No. 12/826,644 filed Jun. 29, 2010 (now U.S. Pat. No.8,591,447), the disclosures of which are herein incorporated byreference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention generally relates to a wound and bandage protection systemthat is designed to resolve many issues of durability, comfort and easeof application that are not adequately resolved by current wound andbandage protection systems. The invention also relates to a method ofusing the wound and bandage protection system for wound care.

BACKGROUND ART

Traditional solutions for wound care involve use of gauze and bandagesaffixed to skin with adhesive, which need to be replaced completely whenredressing the wound. This type of wound dressing has numerousshortcomings, in particular for animals with fur. Bandages affixed withadhesive restrict patient movement, and are uncomfortable. Removing theadhesive from skin can be painful, and removing it from fur is not onlyuncomfortable for an animal, but is also time consuming, and thereforevery impractical. However, veterinarians and pet supply stores todayalmost exclusively sell or use bandages designed for humans for purposesof pet wound care.

One alternative for wound care are self-adhesive wraps that adhere tothemselves via a sticky adhesive quality of the wrap material, withoutsticking to skin or fur. However, a major drawback of these bandages isthat they lose the ability to stick when wet or when dirty. The wrapscan become undone and unusable in a matter of seconds if licked ortampered with. Therefore, while a good solution for human wound care,these wraps are still impractical for pet wound care.

An additional reason for the need for a comfortable bandage for animalsis because they are very prone to infection when healing from a wound,due to the instinct of the animals to lick the location of the wound,leading to the introduction of bacteria and germs to the wound. Theanimal will also lick and possibly gnaw on bandages as well. Dogs, forexample, like the taste of adhesive. The current solution ofveterinarians is to place a cone collar around the animal's neck.However, the cone is big, cumbersome and a nuisance for both pet andowner. A dog will swing its head wildly while trying to get the collaroff. In the process they can injure themselves; they also find itdifficult to navigate when moving about. They also bang into things andknock down everything that is not attached. The cone is a veryunpleasant solution. Therefore, there is a need for a bandaging systemthat reduces pull on skin and fur, will attach quickly and effortlessly,stay on securely, and be removable and exchangeable without pain.

Furthermore, throughout the history of bandage making, a common problemhas plagued the adhesive bandage industry. In order to properly protecta wound, it should be covered and insulated from outside infectants.However, most adhesive bandages do not adequately protect a wound whenapplied. Makers of older bandages tried to size the gauze pad to allowfor a thin strip of adhesive around the gauze pad to adhere to the skinaround the wound. However, the strip of adhesive around the gauze padwould often buckle or come loose altogether, and not keep the woundproperly sealed, and possibly cause discomfort. Recently companies havetried other solutions. Band-Aid® brand has given up on sealing the woundand has extended the gauze to the edge of the adhesive to maximize theamount of gauze available to cover the wound. Nexcare® has createdbandages with extremely small gauze in relation to the bandage, allowingfor a better seal, but providing less gauze in the exchange.Furthermore, these bandages tend not to perform well on joints, wherethe areas of adhesive do not conform to the bending of the limbs withoutcausing a large amount of buckling of the gauze. Therefore, there is aneed for a bandaging system to prevent buckling and loosening of theadhesive around the gauze pad of an adhesive bandage, particularly withregard to application of bandages to joints, while at the same timemaximizing the amount of gauze available to cover the wound.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The present invention provides a wound/bandage protection system and amethod of use thereof. An exemplary embodiment of a super-stretch tubeaccording to the present invention is disclosed. The super-stretch tubehas a strip that extends along a length of the super-stretch tube from afirst open end to a second open end of the super-stretch tube at leastalong an inside surface of the super-stretch tube. The super-stretchtube is preferably made of a super-stretchable elastic non-wovenmaterial.

In a first exemplary embodiment of a wound/bandage protector accordingto the present invention, the wound/bandage protector may be comprisedof a body portion, a first-catch fastening surface and a first fasteningstrap. The body portion is configured as a wrap with a first end, asecond end, a wound facing side and a non-wound facing side. Thefirst-catch fastening surface is on an end region, which is proximal tothe first end of the body portion, of the wound facing side of the bodyportion. The first-catch fastening surface is configured so as to becapable of fastening with at least a portion of the non-wound facingside of the body portion. Alternatively, the wound/bandage protector maybe configured without the first-catch fastening surface.

The first fastening strap extends from the second end of the bodyportion and at least a portion of a wound facing side surface of thefirst fastening strap is configured so as to be capable of fasteningwith at least a portion of the non-wound facing side of the body portionor a non-wound facing side of the first fastening strap. In onealternative embodiment, the body portion and the first fastening strapmay be comprised of the same integral piece of material.

The wound/bandage protector according to the present invention may beconfigured to be stretchable in a lengthwise direction defined by thefirst end of the body portion and the second end of the body portion.The first fastening strap of the wound/bandage protector may have afirst strap part that is stretchable, and a second strap part. In suchan embodiment of the wound/bandage protector according to the presentinvention, the second strap part may include the portion of the firstfastening strap that is capable of fastening with at least a portion ofthe non-wound facing side of the body portion or the non-wound facingside of the first fastening strap. An elastic modulus of the first strappart may be greater than an elastic modulus of the body portion.

Furthermore, the wound/bandage protector according to the presentinvention may also have a second fastening strap extending from thesecond end of the body portion. At least a portion of a wound facingside surface of the second fastening strap is configured so as to becapable of fastening with at least a portion of the non-wound facingside of the body portion and/or a non-wound facing side of the secondfastening strap. The second fastening strap may have a first strap partand a second strap part configured in the manner discussed above inreference to the first fastening strap. An elastic modulus of the secondfastening strap first strap part may be configured to be greater than anelastic modulus of the body portion.

The wound/bandage protector according to the present invention may alsohave a strip. The strip may be on the body portion proximal to the firstend and extend widthwise. Alternatively, the strip may extend along thelength of the body proximal to a top or bottom edge of the body portion.Moreover, multiple strips may be provided, such as strips along both thetop and bottom edge of the body portion. The strip may be comprised of arubberized material exposed on at least the wound facing side of thebody portion.

The wound/bandage protector according to the present invention may havea gauze port on the wound facing side of the body portion proximal tothe first end of the body portion. The gauze port may be configured toattach to only a small portion of a gauze pad proximal to one side ofthe gauze pad. The gauze port may be configured so as to allow repeatedremovable attachment of the gauze pad. The wound/bandage protector mayalso include a gauze pad. The gauze pad may be configured to attach tothe gauze port. Alternatively, the gauze pad may be configured so as toremain adjacent but unattached to the non-wound facing side of the bodyportion. In such an alternative exemplary embodiment, the gauze pad mayhave a rubberized or tacky frame on a wound-facing and/ornon-wound-facing side of the gauze pad.

The wound/bandage protector according to the present invention may havea strip provided on the body portion preferably between the gauze portand the first end of the body portion. If there is no gauze port, thestrip is preferably located proximal to the first end of the bodyportion. The strip may be comprised of a rubberized material that isexposed at least on the wound facing side of the body portion.Alternatively, all or a portion of the wound-facing side of the bodyportion may have a tacky surface.

A wound/bandage protector according to the present invention, may have acover. In such an embodiment of the wound/bandage protector according tothe present invention, the body portion has an aperture, and the coverand the aperture are sized so as to allow the cover to completely closethe aperture. The body portion may be configured with a shelfsurrounding the aperture, and the cover is sized so as to close theaperture by extending at least partially onto the shelf. Thewound/bandage protector according to this exemplary embodiment mayfurther comprise a non-stretchable or substantially non-stretchable rimprovided on the non-wound-facing side surface of the body portionsurrounding the aperture. The surface of the rim is sized and configuredso as to allow for removable attachment of the cover.

A wound/bandage protector according to the present invention, may havedead-zones periodically provided along the length of the body portion.The dead zones may be configured to extend widthwise with respect to thelength of the bandage and provided, preferably, at least every 3 inchesalong the length of the body portion.

A wound/bandage protector according to the present invention, may have agauze panel positioned on or integrated into the body portion proximalto the first end of the body portion. The gauze panel may be configuredso as to allow for attachment and/or repeated attachment of a gauze padon the wound-facing side of the body portion. The gauze panel may besized so as to allow all or substantially all of the gauze pad to beattached or removably attached to the gauze panel. The gauze panel andthe part of the body portion on which the gauze panel is positioned orintegrated may be configured as a dead zone. Alternatively, the gauzepad and the gauze panel may be comprised of stretchable material.

In one exemplary embodiment of a bandage according to the presentinvention, the bandage is comprised of a stretchable body portion with astretchable gauze pad affixed to the wound-facing side of the bodyportion. The body portion has adhesive on at least a portion of a woundfacing side or, alternatively, the body portion is comprised of selfadherent material, such as Coban™.

In another exemplary embodiment of a bandage according to the presentinvention, the bandage has a body portion and a gauze pad on awound-facing side of the body portion. The gauze pad is shaped andpositioned on the body portion in such manner that the bandage isconfigured as a “diamond gauze” adhesive bandage. The body portion hasadhesive on at least a portion of a wound facing side or, alternatively,the body portion is comprised of self adherent material.

In another exemplary embodiment of a bandage according to the presentinvention, the bandage is a “diamond gauze” bandage that has a bodyportion and a gauze pad. The body portion has adhesive on at least aportion of a wound facing side or, alternatively, the body portion iscomprised of self adherent material. The gauze pad is shaped as asquare, rhombus or parallelogram and oriented on the wound-facing sideof the body portion in such manner that each of the corners of the gauzepad are oriented towards a different length tangent or width tangent ofthe adhesive bandage.

In another exemplary embodiment of a bandage according to the presentinvention the bandage further includes a cover. The body portion has anaperture, and the cover and the aperture are sized so as to allow thecover to completely close the aperture. The body portion may also beconfigured with a shelf surrounding the aperture. In such an embodiment,the cover is sized so as to close the aperture by extending at leastpartially onto the shelf.

In another exemplary embodiment of a wound/bandage protector accordingto the present invention, the wound/bandage protector may be comprisedof a body, a fastening strap and a cover. The body is comprised ofstretchable material and configured as a sock/mitten with a first endthat is open, a second end that is closed, an internal wound facing sideand an external non-wound facing side. The body may also have a panelwith little or no stretch. The fastening strap is comprised of a firststrap part and a second strap part. The first strap part is connected tothe body and comprised of stretchable material. The second strap part isconnected to the first strap part. At least a portion of a wound-facingside of the second strap part is configured so as to be capable offastening with at least a portion of the external non-wound facing sideof the body, at least a portion of a non-wound facing side of the firststrap part, and at least a portion of a non-wound facing side of thesecond strap part. The fastening strap may also have a third strap partthat is configured as a dead zone connecting the first strap part to theexternal non-wound facing side of the body. The fastening strap may alsohave a fourth strap part that is configured as a dead zone connectingthe first strap part and the second strap part. Both the third strappart and the fourth strap part have a rubberized or tacky surfaceexposed on at least the wound facing side of the fastening strap.

The wound/bandage protector, according to this exemplary embodiment, mayalso include a sheath with a first open end, and a second closed end,the sheath sized and configured to fit over an entirety of the body ofthe wound/bandage protector. A slot or slit in the sheath is sized andpositioned so as to allow the fastening strap to fit therethrough. Thefastening strap is sized so as to be capable of extending around anoutside of the sheath to secure both the body and the sheath to anappendage being bandaged by fastening the wound facing side of thesecond strap part to a non-wound facing side of the fastening strap.

In another exemplary embodiment of a bandage according to the presentinvention the bandage further includes a cover. The body portion has anaperture, and the cover and the aperture are sized so as to allow thecover to completely close the aperture. The body portion may also beconfigured with a shelf surrounding the aperture. In such an embodiment,the cover is sized so as to close the aperture by extending at leastpartially onto the shelf.

In another exemplary embodiment of a bandage according to the presentinvention, the bandage has a body portion a cover and a rim. The bodyportion has an aperture, and the cover and the aperture are sized so asto allow the cover to completely close the aperture. The rim, which ison a non-wound-facing side surface of the body portion surrounding theaperture, is preferably non-stretchable or substantiallynon-stretchable. The surface of the rim is sized and configured so as toallow for removable attachment of the cover.

In another exemplary embodiment of a bandage according to the presentinvention, the bandage has a body portion and a cover. The body portionhas an aperture shaped as a square, rhombus or parallelogram that isoriented in such manner that each of the corners of the aperture areoriented towards a different length tangent or width tangent of theadhesive bandage. The cover is sized to completely close the aperture.

In another exemplary embodiment of a bandage according to the presentinvention, the bandage is a “triangular gauze” bandage that has atriangular shaped body portion and a triangular shaped gauze pad. Thetriangular shaped body portion has adhesive on at least a portion of awound facing side. The triangular shaped gauze pad is oriented on thewound-facing side of the body portion in such manner that each of thecorners of the gauze pad is oriented toward a different side of theadhesive bandage. The triangular shaped gauze pad may be oriented on thewound-facing side of the body portion in such manner that each of thecorners of the gauze pad is oriented toward a mid-point or a mid-sectionof a different side of the adhesive bandage.

In another exemplary embodiment of a bandage according to the presentinvention, the bandage is a “triangular gauze” bandage that has acircular shaped body portion and a triangular shaped gauze pad. Thecircular shaped body portion has adhesive on at least a portion of awound facing side. The triangular shaped gauze pad is provided on thewound-facing side of the body portion.

In addition, the invention also relates to a kit that includes all or asubset of the bandages disclosed herein.

The present invention also discloses methods of protecting wounds usingthe wound/bandage protectors, bandages and super-stretch tubes, such asthe exemplary embodiments of those disclosed herein. Thus, for example,a bandage with an aperture may be used to protect a wound by applyingthe bandage with the aperture opened, placing gauze and medicine on thewound; and closing the aperture of the bandage. The method may also beapplied with wound/bandage protector with an aperture. In addition, awound/bandage protector or super stretch tube may be positioned over thebandage or wound/bandage protector with the aperture. Similarly with allthe bandages and wound/bandage protectors disclosed herein, the bandageor wound/bandage protector may first be placed over the wound and then awound/bandage protector or super stretch tube may be positioned over thebandage or wound/bandage protector. In addition, the invention alsorelates to a kit that includes all or a set of the wound/bandageprotectors, bandages, and/or super-stretch tubes, as disclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1(a) is a perspective side view of an exemplary embodiment of asuper-stretch tube according to the present invention;

FIG. 1(b) illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a cross-sectional viewof the super-stretch tube taken along the line I-I′ in FIG. 1(a);

FIG. 2(a) is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a wound/bandageprotector according to the present invention;

FIG. 2(b) is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a protectivesheath for the wound/bandage protector illustrated in FIG. 2(a);

FIG. 2(c) is a side view of the exemplary embodiment of thewound/bandage protector illustrated in FIG. 2(a) illustrating theprocess of securing the wound/bandage protector;

FIG. 2(d) is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a wound/bandageprotector according to the present invention;

FIG. 2(e) is a top cross-sectional view of the wound/bandage protectorillustrated in FIG. 2(d) taken along line 2 e-2 e′ with a strap in anopen position;

FIG. 2(f) is a top cross-sectional view of the wound/bandage protectorillustrated in FIG. 2(d) with the strap portion in a closed position;

FIG. 3(a) is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a wound/bandageprotector according to the present invention;

FIG. 3(b) is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a protectivesheath for the wound/bandage protector illustrated in FIG. 3(a);

FIG. 4 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a wound/bandageprotector according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a wound/bandageprotector according to the present invention;

FIG. 6(a) is a top non-wound facing side view of an exemplary embodimentof a wound/bandage protector according to the present invention;

FIG. 6(b) is a bottom wound facing side view of the exemplary embodimentof the wound/bandage protector illustrated in FIG. 6(a);

FIG. 6(c) is a side cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment ofthe wound/bandage protector illustrated in FIGS. 6(a) and (b) takenalong the line II-IP in FIG. 6(b);

FIG. 7(a) is a top non-wound facing side view of an exemplary embodimentof a wound/bandage protector according to the present invention;

FIG. 7(b) is a bottom wound facing side view of the exemplary embodimentof the wound/bandage protector illustrated in FIG. 7(a);

FIG. 7(c) is a side cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment ofthe wound/bandage protector illustrated in FIGS. 7(a) and (b) takenalong the line III-III′ in FIG. 7(b);

FIG. 8(a) is a top non-wound facing side view of an exemplary embodimentof a wound/bandage protector according to the present invention;

FIG. 8(b) is a bottom wound facing side view of the exemplary embodimentof the wound/bandage protector illustrated in FIG. 8(a);

FIG. 8(c) is a side cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment ofthe wound/bandage protector illustrated in FIGS. 8(a) and (b) takenalong the line IV-IV′ in FIG. 8(b);

FIG. 9(a) is a top non-wound facing side view of an exemplary embodimentof a wound/bandage protector according to the present invention;

FIG. 9(b) is a bottom wound facing side view of the exemplary embodimentof the wound/bandage protector illustrated in FIG. 9(a);

FIG. 9(c) is a side cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment ofthe wound/bandage protector illustrated in FIGS. 9(a) and (b) takenalong the line V-V′ in FIG. 9(b);

FIG. 10(a) is a top non-wound facing side view of a exemplary embodimentof a wound/bandage protector according to the present invention;

FIG. 10(b) is a bottom wound facing side view of the exemplaryembodiment of the wound/bandage protector illustrated in FIG. 10(a);

FIG. 10(c) is a side cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment ofthe wound/bandage protector illustrated in FIGS. 10(a) and (b) takenalong the line VI-VI′ in FIG. 10(b);

FIG. 11(a) is a top non-wound facing side view of an exemplaryembodiment of a wound/bandage protector according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 11(b) is a bottom wound facing side view of the exemplaryembodiment of the wound/bandage protector illustrated in FIG. 11(a);

FIG. 11(c) is a side cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment ofthe wound/bandage protector illustrated in FIGS. 11(a) and (b) takenalong the line VII-VII′ in FIG. 11(b);

FIG. 12(a) shows a bottom wound-facing side of an exemplary embodimentof a “diamond gauze” adhesive bandage according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 12(b) shows a top non-wound-facing side of the exemplary embodimentof the “diamond gauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIG. 12(a);

FIG. 12(c) shows a side view of the exemplary embodiment of the “diamondgauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIGS. 12(a) and (b) (the viewfrom the other side is a mirror image);

FIG. 12(d) shows an end view of the exemplary embodiment of the “diamondgauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIGS. 12(a) and (b) (the viewfrom the other side is a mirror image);

FIG. 12(e) shows a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the“diamond gauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIGS. 12(a) and (b);

FIG. 12(f) shows a second perspective view of the exemplary embodimentof the “diamond gauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIGS. 12(a) and(b);

FIG. 13(a) shows a bottom wound-facing side of an exemplary embodimentof a “diamond gauze” adhesive bandage according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 13(b) shows a top non-wound-facing side of the exemplary embodimentof the “diamond gauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIG. 13(a);

FIG. 13(c) shows a side view of the exemplary embodiment of the “diamondgauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIGS. 13(a) and (b) (the viewfrom the other side is a mirror image);

FIG. 13(d) shows an end view of the exemplary embodiment of the “diamondgauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIGS. 13(a) and (b) (the viewfrom the other side is a mirror image);

FIG. 13(e) shows a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the“diamond gauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIGS. 13(a) and (b);

FIG. 13(f) shows a second perspective view of the exemplary embodimentof the “diamond gauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIGS. 13(a) and(b);

FIG. 14(a) shows a bottom wound-facing side of an exemplary embodimentof a “diamond gauze” adhesive bandage according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 14(b) shows a top non-wound-facing side of the exemplary embodimentof the “diamond gauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIG. 14(a);

FIG. 14(c) shows a side view of the exemplary embodiment of the “diamondgauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIGS. 14(a) and (b) (the viewfrom the other side is a mirror image);

FIG. 14(d) shows an end view of the exemplary embodiment of the “diamondgauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIGS. 14(a) and (b) (the viewfrom the other side is a mirror image);

FIG. 14(e) shows a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the“diamond gauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIGS. 14(a) and (b);

FIG. 15(a) shows a bottom wound-facing side of an exemplary embodimentof a “diamond gauze” adhesive bandage according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 15(b) shows a top non-wound-facing side of the exemplary embodimentof the “diamond gauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIG. 15(a);

FIG. 15(c) shows a side view of the exemplary embodiment of the “diamondgauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIGS. 15(a) and (b) (the viewfrom the other side is a mirror image);

FIG. 15(d) shows an end view of the exemplary embodiment of the “diamondgauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIGS. 15(a) and (b) (the viewfrom the other side is a mirror image);

FIG. 15(e) shows a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the“diamond gauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIGS. 15(a) and (b);

FIG. 16(a) shows a bottom wound-facing side of an exemplary embodimentof a “diamond gauze” adhesive bandage according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 16(b) shows a top non-wound-facing side of the exemplary embodimentof the “diamond gauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIG. 16(a);

FIG. 16(c) shows a side view of the exemplary embodiment of the “diamondgauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIGS. 16(a) and (b) (the viewfrom the other side is a mirror image);

FIG. 16(d) shows an end view of the exemplary embodiment of the “diamondgauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIGS. 16(a) and (b) (the viewfrom the other side is a mirror image);

FIG. 16(e) shows a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the“diamond gauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIGS. 16(a) and (b);

FIG. 17(a) shows a bottom wound-facing side of an exemplary embodimentof a “diamond gauze” adhesive bandage according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 17(b) shows a top non-wound-facing side of the exemplary embodimentof the “diamond gauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIG. 17(a);

FIG. 17(c) shows a side view of the exemplary embodiment of the “diamondgauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIGS. 17(a) and (b) (the viewfrom the other side is a mirror image);

FIG. 17(d) shows an end view of the exemplary embodiment of the “diamondgauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIGS. 17(a) and (b) (the viewfrom the other side is a mirror image);

FIG. 17(e) shows a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the“diamond gauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIGS. 17(a) and (b);

FIG. 18(a) shows a bottom wound-facing side of an exemplary embodimentof a “diamond gauze” adhesive bandage according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 18(b) shows a top non-wound-facing side of the exemplary embodimentof the “diamond gauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIG. 18(a);

FIG. 18(c) shows a side view of the exemplary embodiment of the “diamondgauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIGS. 18(a) and (b) (the viewfrom the other side is a mirror image);

FIG. 18(d) shows an end view of the exemplary embodiment of the “diamondgauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIGS. 18(a) and (b) (the viewfrom the other side is a mirror image);

FIG. 18(e) shows a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the“diamond gauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIGS. 18(a) and (b);

FIG. 19(a) shows a bottom wound-facing side of an exemplary embodimentof a “diamond gauze” adhesive bandage according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 19(b) shows a top non-wound-facing side of the exemplary embodimentof the “diamond gauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIG. 19(a);

FIG. 19(c) shows a first side view of the exemplary embodiment of the“diamond gauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIGS. 19(a) and (b);

FIG. 19(d) shows a second side view of the exemplary embodiment of the“diamond gauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIGS. 19(a) and (b);

FIG. 19(e) shows a first end view of the exemplary embodiment of the“diamond gauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIGS. 19(a) and (b);

FIG. 19(f) shows a second end view of the exemplary embodiment of the“diamond gauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIGS. 19(a) and (b);

FIG. 19(g) shows a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the“diamond gauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIGS. 19(a) and (b);

FIG. 20(a) shows a bottom wound-facing side of an exemplary embodimentof a “diamond gauze” adhesive bandage according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 20(b) shows a top non-wound-facing side of the exemplary embodimentof the “diamond gauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIG. 20(a);

FIG. 20(c) shows a first side view of the exemplary embodiment of the“diamond gauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIGS. 20(a) and (b);

FIG. 20(d) shows a second side view of the exemplary embodiment of the“diamond gauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIGS. 20(a) and (b);

FIG. 20(e) shows a first end view of the exemplary embodiment of the“diamond gauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIGS. 20(a) and (b);

FIG. 20(f) shows a second end view of the exemplary embodiment of the“diamond gauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIGS. 20(a) and (b);

FIG. 20(g) shows a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the“diamond gauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIGS. 20(a) and (b);

FIG. 21(a) shows a bottom wound-facing side of an exemplary embodimentof a “diamond gauze” adhesive bandage according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 21(b) shows a top non-wound-facing side of the exemplary embodimentof the “diamond gauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIG. 21(a);

FIG. 21(c) shows a side view of the exemplary embodiment of the “diamondgauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIGS. 21(a) and (b) (the viewfrom the other side is a mirror image);

FIG. 21(d) shows an end view of the exemplary embodiment of the “diamondgauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIGS. 21(a) and (b) (the viewfrom the other side is a mirror image);

FIG. 21(e) shows a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the“diamond gauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIGS. 21(a) and (b);

FIG. 22(a) shows a bottom wound-facing side of an exemplary embodimentof a “triangular gauze” adhesive bandage according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 22(b) shows a top non-wound-facing side of the exemplary embodimentof the “triangular gauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIG. 22(a);

FIG. 22(c) shows a first side view of the exemplary embodiment of the“triangular gauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIGS. 22(a) and (b);

FIG. 22(d) shows a second side view of the exemplary embodiment of the“triangular gauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIGS. 22(a) and (b);

FIG. 22(e) shows a first end view of the exemplary embodiment of the“triangular gauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIGS. 22(a) and (b);

FIG. 22(f) shows a second end view of the exemplary embodiment of the“triangular gauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIGS. 22(a) and (b);

FIG. 22(g) shows a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the“triangular gauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIGS. 22(a) and (b);

FIG. 23(a) shows a bottom wound-facing side of an exemplary embodimentof a “triangular gauze” adhesive bandage according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 23(b) shows a top non-wound-facing side of the exemplary embodimentof the “triangular gauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIG. 23(a);

FIG. 23(c) shows a first side view of the exemplary embodiment of the“triangular gauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIGS. 23(a) and (b);

FIG. 23(d) shows a second side view of the exemplary embodiment of the“triangular gauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIGS. 23(a) and (b);

FIG. 23(e) shows a first end view of the exemplary embodiment of the“triangular gauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIGS. 23(a) and (b);

FIG. 23(f) shows a second end view of the exemplary embodiment of the“triangular gauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIGS. 23(a) and (b);

FIG. 23(g) shows a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the“triangular gauze” adhesive bandage illustrated in FIGS. 23(a) and (b);

FIG. 24(a) shows a bottom wound-facing side of an exemplary embodimentof a “diamond gauze” bandage according to the present invention;

FIG. 24(b) shows a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the“diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 24(a) and (c);

FIG. 24(c) shows a top non-wound-facing side of the exemplary embodimentof the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIG. 24(a);

FIG. 24(d) shows a side view along a length tangent 249C of theexemplary embodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS.24(a) and (b) (the view from the opposing length tangent 249A is amirror image);

FIG. 24(e) shows a side view along a width tangent 249B of the exemplaryembodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 24(a) and(b);

FIG. 24(f) shows a side view along a width tangent 249D of the exemplaryembodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 24(a) and(b);

FIG. 25(a) shows a top view of an exemplary gauze pad configuration withconcave sides for a “diamond gauze” bandage according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 25(b) shows a top view of an exemplary gauze pad configuration withconvex sides for a “diamond gauze” bandage according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 25(c) shows a top view of an exemplary gauze pad configuration withundulating sides for a “diamond gauze” bandage according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 25(d) shows a top view of an exemplary gauze pad configuration withrounded corners for a “diamond gauze” bandage according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 25(e) shows a top view of an exemplary gauze pad configuration witha square shape for a “diamond gauze” bandage according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 25(f) shows a top view of an exemplary gauze pad configuration withan offset diamond shape for a “diamond gauze” bandage according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 25(g) shows a top view of an exemplary gauze pad configuration witha diamond or rhombus shape for a “diamond gauze” bandage according tothe present invention;

FIG. 25(h) shows a top view of an exemplary gauze pad configuration witha kite shape for a “diamond gauze” bandage according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 25(i) shows a top view of an exemplary gauze pad configuration witha rectangular shape for a “diamond gauze” bandage according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 25(j) shows a top view of an exemplary gauze pad configuration withtwo opposing corners cut off for a “diamond gauze” bandage according tothe present invention;

FIG. 25(k) shows a top view of an exemplary gauze pad configuration withfour cut off corners for a “diamond gauze” bandage according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 25(1) shows a definition of length and width in terms of ahorizontal axis and a vertical axis for a “diamond gauze” bandageaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 25(m) illustrates an exemplary preferred range of gauze padorientation for a “diamond gauze” bandage according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 26(a) shows a bottom wound-facing side of an exemplary embodimentof a “diamond gauze” bandage according to the present invention;

FIG. 26(b) shows a top non-wound-facing side of the exemplary embodimentof the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIG. 26(a);

FIG. 26(c) shows a side view along a length tangent 269C of theexemplary embodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS.26(a) and (b) (the view from the opposing length tangent 269A is amirror image);

FIG. 26(d) shows a side view along a width tangent 269B of the exemplaryembodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 26(a) and(b);

FIG. 26(e) shows a side view along a width tangent 269D of the exemplaryembodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 26(a) and(b);

FIG. 26(f) shows a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the“diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 26(a) and (b);

FIG. 27(a) shows a bottom wound-facing side of an exemplary embodimentof a “diamond gauze” bandage according to the present invention;

FIG. 27(b) shows a top non-wound-facing side of the exemplary embodimentof the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIG. 27(a);

FIG. 27(c) shows a side view along a length tangent 279A of theexemplary embodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS.27(a) and (b) (the view from the opposing length tangent 279C is amirror image);

FIG. 27(d) shows a side view along a width tangent line 279B of theexemplary embodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS.27(a) and (b) (the view from the opposing width tangent 279D is a mirrorimage);

FIG. 27(e) shows a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the“diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 27(a) and (b);

FIG. 28(a) shows a bottom wound-facing side of an exemplary embodimentof a “diamond gauze” bandage according to the present invention;

FIG. 28(b) shows a top non-wound-facing side of the exemplary embodimentof the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIG. 28(a);

FIG. 28(c) shows a side view along a length tangent 289A of theexemplary embodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS.28(a) and (b) (the view from the opposing length tangent 289C is amirror image);

FIG. 28(d) shows a side view along a width tangent 289B of the exemplaryembodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 28(a) and(b) (the view from the opposing width tangent 289D is a mirror image);

FIG. 28(e) shows a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the“diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 28(a) and (b);

FIG. 29(a) shows a bottom wound-facing side of an exemplary embodimentof a “diamond gauze” bandage according to the present invention;

FIG. 29(b) shows a top non-wound-facing side of the exemplary embodimentof the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIG. 29(a);

FIG. 29(c) shows a side view along a length tangent 299C of theexemplary embodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS.29(a) and (b) (the view from the opposing length tangent 299A is amirror image);

FIG. 29(d) shows a side view along a width tangent 299D of the exemplaryembodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 29(a) and(b);

FIG. 29(e) shows a side view along a width tangent line 299B of theexemplary embodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS.29(a) and (b);

FIG. 29(f) shows a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the“diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 29(a) and (b);

FIG. 30(a) shows a bottom wound-facing side of an exemplary embodimentof a “diamond gauze” bandage according to the present invention;

FIG. 30(b) shows a top non-wound-facing side of the exemplary embodimentof the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIG. 30(a);

FIG. 30(c) shows a side view along a length tangent 309A of theexemplary embodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS.30(a) and (b) (the view from the opposing tangent 309C is a mirrorimage);

FIG. 30(d) shows a side view along a width tangent 309B of the exemplaryembodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 30(a) and(b) (the view from the opposing width tangent 309D is a mirror image);

FIG. 30(e) shows a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the“diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 30(a) and (b);

FIG. 31(a) shows a bottom wound-facing side of an exemplary embodimentof a “diamond gauze” bandage according to the present invention;

FIG. 31(b) shows a top non-wound-facing side of the exemplary embodimentof the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIG. 31(a);

FIG. 31(c) shows a side view along a length tangent 319A of theexemplary embodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS.31(a) and (b) (the view from the opposing length tangent 319C is amirror image);

FIG. 31(d) shows a side view along a width tangent 319B of the exemplaryembodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 31(a) and(b) (the view from the opposing width tangent 319D is a minor image);

FIG. 31(e) shows a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the“diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 31(a) and (b);

FIG. 32(a) shows a bottom wound-facing side of an exemplary embodimentof a “diamond gauze” bandage according to the present invention;

FIG. 32(b) shows a top non-wound-facing side of the exemplary embodimentof the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIG. 32(a);

FIG. 32(c) shows a side view along a length tangent 329A of theexemplary embodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS.32(a) and (b) (the view from the opposing length tangent 329C is amirror image);

FIG. 32(d) shows a side view along a width tangent 329B of the exemplaryembodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 32(a) and(b) (the view from the opposing width tangent 329D is a minor image);

FIG. 32(e) shows a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the“diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 32(a) and (b);

FIG. 33(a) shows a bottom wound-facing side of an exemplary embodimentof a “diamond gauze” bandage according to the present invention;

FIG. 33(b) shows a top non-wound-facing side of the exemplary embodimentof the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIG. 33(a);

FIG. 33(c) shows a side view along a length tangent 339A of theexemplary embodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS.33(a) and (b) (the view from the opposing length tangent 339C is amirror image);

FIG. 33(d) shows a side view along a width tangent 339B of the exemplaryembodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 33(a) and(b) (the view from the opposing width tangent 339D is a mirror image);

FIG. 33(e) shows a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the“diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 33(a) and (b);

FIG. 34(a) shows a bottom wound-facing side of an exemplary embodimentof a “diamond gauze” bandage according to the present invention;

FIG. 34(b) shows a top non-wound-facing side of the exemplary embodimentof the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIG. 34(a);

FIG. 34(c) shows a side view along a length tangent 349A of theexemplary embodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS.34(a) and (b) (the view from the opposing length tangent 349C is amirror image);

FIG. 34(d) shows a side view along a width tangent 349B of the exemplaryembodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 34(a) and(b) (the view from the opposing tangent 349D is a mirror image);

FIG. 34(e) shows a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the“diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 34(a) and (b);

FIG. 35(a) shows a bottom wound-facing side of an exemplary embodimentof a “diamond gauze” bandage according to the present invention;

FIG. 35(b) shows a top non-wound-facing side of the exemplary embodimentof the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIG. 35(a);

FIG. 35(c) shows a side view along a length tangent 359A of theexemplary embodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS.35(a) and (b) (the view from the opposing length tangent 359C is amirror image);

FIG. 35(d) shows a side view along a width tangent 359B of the exemplaryembodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 35(a) and(b) (the view from the opposing width tangent 359D is a minor image);

FIG. 35(e) shows a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the“diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 35(a) and (b);

FIG. 36(a) shows a bottom wound-facing side of an exemplary embodimentof a “diamond gauze” bandage according to the present invention;

FIG. 36(b) shows a top non-wound-facing side of the exemplary embodimentof the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIG. 36(a);

FIG. 36(c) shows a side view along a length tangent 369A of theexemplary embodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS.36(a) and (b) (the view from the opposing length tangent 369C is amirror image);

FIG. 36(d) shows a side view along a width tangent 369B of the exemplaryembodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 36(a) and(b) (the view from the opposing width tangent 369D is a minor image);

FIG. 36(e) shows a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the“diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 36(a) and (b);

FIG. 37(a) shows a bottom wound-facing side of an exemplary embodimentof a “diamond gauze” bandage according to the present invention;

FIG. 37(b) shows a top non-wound-facing side of the exemplary embodimentof the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIG. 37(a);

FIG. 37(c) shows a side view along a length tangent 379A of theexemplary embodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS.37(a) and (b) (the view from the opposing length tangent 379C is amirror image);

FIG. 37(d) shows a side view along a width tangent 379B of the exemplaryembodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 37(a) and(b) (the view from the opposing width tangent 379D is a minor image);

FIG. 37(e) shows a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the“diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 37(a) and (b);

FIG. 38(a) shows a bottom wound-facing side of an exemplary embodimentof a “diamond gauze” bandage according to the present invention;

FIG. 38(b) shows a top non-wound-facing side of the exemplary embodimentof the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIG. 38(a);

FIG. 38(c) shows a side view along a length tangent 389A of theexemplary embodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS.38(a) and (b) (the view from the opposing length tangent 389C is amirror image);

FIG. 38(d) shows a side view along a width tangent 389B of the exemplaryembodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 38(a) and(b) (the view from the opposing width tangent 389D is a mirror image);

FIG. 38(e) shows a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the“diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 38(a) and (b);

FIG. 39(a) shows a bottom wound-facing side of an exemplary embodimentof a “diamond gauze” bandage according to the present invention;

FIG. 39(b) shows a top non-wound-facing side of the exemplary embodimentof the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIG. 39(a);

FIG. 39(c) shows a side view along a length tangent 399A of theexemplary embodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS.39(a) and (b) (the view from the opposing length tangent 399C is amirror image);

FIG. 39(d) shows a side view along a width tangent 399B of the exemplaryembodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 39(a) and(b) (the view from the opposing width tangent 399D is a mirror image);

FIG. 39(e) shows a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the“diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 39(a) and (b);

FIG. 40(a) shows a bottom wound-facing side of an exemplary embodimentof a “diamond gauze” bandage according to the present invention;

FIG. 40(b) shows a top non-wound-facing side of the exemplary embodimentof the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIG. 40(a);

FIG. 40(c) shows a side view along a length tangent 409A of theexemplary embodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS.40(a) and (b) (the view from the opposing length tangent 409C is amirror image);

FIG. 40(d) shows a side view along a width tangent 409B of the exemplaryembodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 40(a) and(b) (the view from the opposing width tangent 409D is a minor image);

FIG. 40(e) shows a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the“diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 40(a) and (b);

FIG. 41(a) shows a bottom wound-facing side of an exemplary embodimentof a “diamond gauze” bandage according to the present invention;

FIG. 41(b) shows an exploded bottom wound-facing side of an exemplaryembodiment of a “diamond gauze” bandage according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 41(c) shows a top non-wound-facing side of the exemplary embodimentof the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIG. 41(a);

FIG. 41(d) shows a side view along a length tangent 419A of theexemplary embodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS.41(a) and (b) (the view from the opposing length tangent 419C is amirror image);

FIG. 41(e) shows a side view along a width tangent 419B of the exemplaryembodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 41(a) and(b) (the view from the opposing width tangent 419D is a minor image);

FIG. 41(f) shows a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the“diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 41(a) and (b);

FIG. 42(a) shows a bottom wound-facing side of an exemplary embodimentof a “diamond gauze” bandage according to the present invention;

FIG. 42(b) shows a top non-wound-facing side of the exemplary embodimentof the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIG. 42(a);

FIG. 42(c) shows a side view along a length tangent 429A of theexemplary embodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS.42(a) and (b) (the view from the opposing length tangent 429C is amirror image);

FIG. 42(d) shows a side view along a width tangent 429B of the exemplaryembodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 42(a) and(b) (the view from the opposing width tangent 429D is a minor image);

FIG. 42(e) shows a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the“diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 42(a) and (b);

FIG. 43(a) shows a bottom wound-facing side of an exemplary embodimentof a “diamond gauze” bandage according to the present invention;

FIG. 43(b) shows a top non-wound-facing side of the exemplary embodimentof the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIG. 43(a);

FIG. 43(c) shows a side view along a length tangent 439A of theexemplary embodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS.43(a) and (b) (the view from the opposing length tangent 439C is amirror image);

FIG. 43(d) shows a side view along a width tangent 439B of the exemplaryembodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 43(a) and(b) (the view from the opposing width tangent 439D is a mirror image);

FIG. 43(e) shows a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the“diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 43(a) and (b);

FIG. 44(a) shows a bottom wound-facing side of an exemplary embodimentof a “diamond gauze” bandage according to the present invention;

FIG. 44(b) shows a top non-wound-facing side of the exemplary embodimentof the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIG. 44(a);

FIG. 44(c) shows a side view along a length tangent 449A of theexemplary embodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS.44(a) and (b) (the view from the opposing length tangent 449C is amirror image);

FIG. 44(d) shows a side view along a width tangent 449B of the exemplaryembodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 44(a) and(b) (the view from the opposing width tangent 449D is a mirror image);

FIG. 44(e) shows a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the“diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 44(a) and (b);

FIG. 45(a) shows a bottom wound-facing side of an exemplary embodimentof a “diamond gauze” bandage according to the present invention;

FIG. 45(b) shows a top non-wound-facing side of the exemplary embodimentof the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIG. 45(a);

FIG. 45(c) shows a side view along a length tangent 459A of theexemplary embodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS.45(a) and (b) (the view from the opposing length tangent 459C is amirror image);

FIG. 45(d) shows a side view along a width tangent 459B of the exemplaryembodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 45(a) and(b) (the view from the opposing width tangent 459D is a minor image);

FIG. 45(e) shows a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the“diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 45(a) and (b);

FIG. 46(a) shows a bottom wound-facing side of an exemplary embodimentof a “diamond gauze” bandage according to the present invention;

FIG. 46(b) shows a top non-wound-facing side of the exemplary embodimentof the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIG. 46(a);

FIG. 46(c) shows a side view along a length tangent 469A of theexemplary embodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS.46(a) and (b) (the view from the opposing length tangent 469C, as wellas from width tangents 469B and 469D are identical);

FIG. 46(d) shows a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the“diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 46(a) and (b);

FIG. 47(a) shows a bottom wound-facing side of an exemplary embodimentof a “diamond gauze” bandage according to the present invention;

FIG. 47(b) shows a top non-wound-facing side of the exemplary embodimentof the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIG. 47(a);

FIG. 47(c) shows a side view along a length tangent 479A of theexemplary embodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS.47(a) and (b) (the view from the opposing length tangent 479C is amirror image);

FIG. 47(d) shows a side view along a width tangent 479B of the exemplaryembodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 47(a) and(b) (the view from the opposing width tangent 479D is a mirror image);

FIG. 47(e) shows a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the“diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 47(a) and (b);

FIG. 48(a) shows a bottom wound-facing side of an exemplary embodimentof a “diamond gauze” bandage according to the present invention;

FIG. 48(b) shows a top non-wound-facing side of the exemplary embodimentof the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIG. 48(a);

FIG. 48(c) shows a side view along a length tangent 489A of theexemplary embodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS.48(a) and (b) (the view from the opposing length tangent 489C is amirror image);

FIG. 48(d) shows a side view along a width tangent 489B of the exemplaryembodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 48(a) and(b) (the view from the opposing width tangent 489D is a minor image);

FIG. 48(e) shows a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the“diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 48(a) and (b);

FIG. 49(a) shows a bottom wound-facing side of an exemplary embodimentof a “diamond gauze” bandage according to the present invention;

FIG. 49(b) shows an exploded bottom wound-facing side of an exemplaryembodiment of a “diamond gauze” bandage according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 49(c) shows a top non-wound-facing side of the exemplary embodimentof the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIG. 49(a);

FIG. 49(d) shows a side view along a length tangent 499A of theexemplary embodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS.49(a) and (b) (the view from the length tangent line 499C, as well asthe views from width tangents 499B and 499D are identical to the viewfrom length tangent 499A);

FIG. 49(e) shows a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the“diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 49(a) and (b);

FIG. 50(a) shows a bottom wound-facing side of an exemplary embodimentof a “diamond gauze” bandage according to the present invention;

FIG. 50(b) shows a top non-wound-facing side of the exemplary embodimentof the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIG. 50(a);

FIG. 50(c) shows a side view along a length of the exemplary embodimentof the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 50(a) and (b) (theview from the opposing length side is a mirror image);

FIG. 50(d) shows a side view along a width of the exemplary embodimentof the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 50(a) and (b) (theview from the opposing width side is a mirror image);

FIG. 50(e) shows a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the“diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 50(a) and (b);

FIG. 51(a) shows a bottom wound-facing side of an exemplary embodimentof a “diamond gauze” bandage according to the present invention;

FIG. 51(b) shows a top non-wound-facing side of the exemplary embodimentof the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIG. 51(a);

FIG. 51(c) shows a side view along a length tangent 519C of theexemplary embodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS.51(a) and (b) (the view from the opposing length tangent 519A is amirror image);

FIG. 51(d) shows a side view along a width tangent 519B of the exemplaryembodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 51(a) and(b);

FIG. 51(e) shows a side view along a width tangent 519D of the exemplaryembodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 51(a) and(b);

FIG. 51(f) shows a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the“diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 51(a) and (b);

FIG. 52(a) shows a bottom wound-facing side of an exemplary embodimentof a “diamond gauze” bandage according to the present invention;

FIG. 52(b) shows a top non-wound-facing side of the exemplary embodimentof the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIG. 52(a);

FIG. 52(c) shows a side view along a length tangent 529C of theexemplary embodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS.52(a) and (b) (the view from the opposing length tangent 529A is amirror image);

FIG. 52(d) shows a side view along a width tangent 529B of the exemplaryembodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 52(a) and(b);

FIG. 52(e) shows a side view along a width tangent 529D of the exemplaryembodiment of the “diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 52(a) and(b);

FIG. 52(f) shows a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the“diamond gauze” bandage illustrated in FIGS. 52(a) and (b);

FIG. 53(a) shows a top non-wound-facing view of an exemplary embodimentof a bandage with a wound portal according to the present invention;

FIG. 53(b) is a side cross-sectional view of the bandage illustrated inFIG. 53(a) taken along line VIII-VIII′;

FIG. 53(c) is a side cross-sectional view of an alternativeconfiguration of the exemplary embodiment of the bandage with a woundportal illustrated in FIG. 53(a);

FIG. 53(d) is a side cross-sectional view of an alternativeconfiguration of the exemplary embodiment of the bandage with a woundportal illustrated in FIG. 53(a);

FIG. 53(e) is a side cross-sectional view of another exemplaryembodiment of a bandage with a wound portal according to the presentinvention with a flap in an open position;

FIG. 53(f) is a side cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment ofa bandage with a wound portal illustrated in FIG. 53(e) with the flap ina closed position.

FIG. 54(a) shows a top non-wound-facing view of an exemplary embodimentof a bandage with a wound portal according to the present invention;

FIG. 54(b) is a side cross-sectional view of the bandage illustrated inFIG. 54(a) taken along line IX-IX′;

FIG. 55(a) shows a top non-wound-facing view of an exemplary embodimentof a bandage with a wound portal according to the present invention;

FIG. 55(b) is a side cross-sectional view of the bandage illustrated inFIG. 55(a) taken along line X-X′;

FIG. 56(a) shows a top non-wound-facing view of an exemplary embodimentof a “diamond gauze” bandage with a wound portal according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 56(b) is a side cross-sectional view of the “diamond gauze” bandageillustrated in FIG. 56(a) taken along line XI-XI′;

FIG. 57 shows a top non-wound-facing view of an exemplary embodiment ofa wound/bandage protector with a wound portal and a “diamond gauze”configuration according to the present invention;

FIG. 58(a) is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a frictionalgauze pad according to the present invention;

FIG. 58(b) is a side cross-sectional view of the frictional gauze padillustrated in FIG. 58(a) taken along line XII-XII′;

FIG. 59(a) is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a frictionalgauze pad according to the present invention;

FIG. 59(b) is a first exemplary cross-sectional view of the frictionalgauze pad illustrated in FIG. 59(a) taken along line XIII-XIII′;

FIG. 59(c) is a second exemplary cross-sectional view of the frictionalgauze pad illustrated in FIG. 59(a) taken along line XIII-XIII′;

FIG. 59(d) is a third exemplary cross-sectional view of the frictionalgauze pad illustrated in FIG. 59(a) taken along line XIII-XIII′;

FIG. 59(e) is an alternative exemplary cross-sectional view of thefrictional gauze pad according to the present invention;

FIG. 60 is an alternative bottom wound facing side view of the exemplaryembodiment of the wound/bandage protector illustrated in FIG. 6(a).);

FIG. 61(a) is a top non-wound facing side view of an exemplaryembodiment of a wound/bandage protector according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 61(b) is a bottom wound facing side view of the exemplaryembodiment of the wound/bandage protector illustrated in FIG. 61(a);

FIG. 61(c) is a side cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment ofthe wound/bandage protector illustrated in FIGS. 61(a) and (b) takenalong the line XIV-XIV′ in FIG. 61(b);

FIG. 62(a) is a top non-wound facing side view of an exemplaryembodiment of a bandage wrap protector/holder according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 62(b) is a bottom wound facing side view of the exemplaryembodiment of the bandage wrap protector/holder illustrated in FIG.62(a);

FIG. 62(c) is a side cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment ofthe bandage wrap protector/holder illustrated in FIGS. 62(a) and (b)taken along the line XV-XV′ in FIG. 62(b);

FIG. 63(a) is a top non-wound facing side view of an exemplaryembodiment of a fastening base according to the present invention;

FIG. 63(b) is a bottom wound facing side view of the exemplaryembodiment of the fastening base illustrated in FIG. 63(a);

FIG. 63(c) is a side cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment ofthe fastening base illustrated in FIGS. 63(a) and (b) taken along theline XVI-XVI′ in FIG. 63(b).

FIG. 64(a) is a bottom wound facing side view of an alternativeexemplary embodiment of the wound/bandage protector of FIG. 6 with a“diamond gauze configuration” according to the present invention;

FIG. 64(b) is a side view of the exemplary embodiment of thewound/bandage protector illustrated in FIG. 64(a);

FIG. 65(a) is a top non-wound facing side view of an exemplaryembodiment of an alternative arrangement according to the presentinvention for the wound/bandage protector illustrated in FIGS.61(a)-(c);

FIG. 65(b) is a bottom wound facing side view of an exemplary embodimentof the alternative arrangement according to the present invention forthe wound/bandage protector illustrated in FIGS. 61(a)-(c);

FIG. 65(c) is a side cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment ofthe wound/bandage protector illustrated in FIGS. 65(a) and (b) takenalong the line XVII-XVII′ in FIG. 65(b);

FIG. 66(a) is a top non-wound facing side view of an exemplaryembodiment of a wound/bandage protector according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 66(b) is a bottom wound facing side view of the exemplaryembodiment of the wound/bandage protector illustrated in FIG. 66(a);

FIG. 66(c) is a side view of the exemplary embodiment of thewound/bandage protector illustrated in FIGS. 66(a) and (b).

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a super-stretch tube 1 that is part of the bandaging systemaccording to the present invention. The super-stretch tube 1 may be usedfor protecting a wound or for covering one of the bandages disclosedbelow. The super-stretch tube 1 has a tube body portion 2 which may bemade of a stretchable material such as an elastic non-woven that isfound in the side portions of Huggies® brand Little Swimmers® andPull-Ups® or Pampers® Easy Ups® Cruisers®. Alternatively, the tube bodyportion 2 may be made of other materials with similar elasticityproperties that provide a comparable amount of stretchability andtension.

According to one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the stretchablematerial of the tube body portion 2, when extended to its full capacity,can stretch to more than double the tube body portion's 2 un-extendedsize. In the context of this application, “super stretchable” materialrefers to material that can resiliently stretch to a length that isequal to or greater than one and a half times the length of the materialwhen not under tension. In the context of this application,“stretchable” material refers to material that can resiliently stretchto a length that is at least ten percent greater than the length of thematerial when not under tension. A material that has “little or nostretch” is one that is not super stretchable. A material that has “nostretch” is one that is not stretchable. A “dead zone” is an area ofmaterial that has little or no stretch which may, but not necessarily,be an integral part of an otherwise stretchable material. A dead zonearea may be formed in an elastic nonwoven material with an ultrasonicseal, which is generally used when attaching two nonwovens together, bypunching, applying pressure and then high frequency vibration, whichcauses nonwoven materials to melt, to an overlapping connecting portionof the two nonwovens. Alternatively, particularly when forming a deadzone in a single piece of nonwoven fabric, the dead zone may be formedby simply applying the pressure and high frequency vibration withoutpunching. The “stretching resistance”, “elastic modulus” or Young'smodulus, refers to a ratio of stretching force on a particular areaalong a particular axis over a ratio of change in the length of thematerial along the particular axis due to the applied stretching force.Thus, a material that can be “easily” stretched has a lower elasticmodulus than a material that is “hard” to stretch. The stretchablematerial of the tube body portion 2 at least provides stretchingcapacity in a manner that allows a circumference of the super-stretchtube 1 to vary. The stretchable material of the tube body portion 2 may,alternatively, provide stretching capacity that allows both thecircumference and a length of the tube body portion 2 to vary.Preferably, the super-stretch material of the tube body portion 2 isvery thin, being less than 1/16th of an inch thick when in theun-extended position and provides some breathability as well as goodwater resistance.

The super-stretch tube 1 has a strip 4 that extends along a length 7 ofthe super-stretch tube 1 from a first open end 6 of the super-stretchtube 1 to a second open end 8 of the super-stretch tube 1 at least alongan inside surface 3 of the super-stretch tube 1. The strip 4 may bepositioned along or over a seam 5 that may extend the length of thesuper-stretch tube 1. The strip 4 has one or more threads made of arubberized material provided in such a manner that the rubberizedmaterial threads are exposed at least on an inner side of thesuper-stretch tube 1. The strip 4 may be made from an elastic materialused in some larger hair bands that includes rubberized materialthreads. The rubberized material is not necessarily exposed on theexterior side 9 of the stretch tube 1. Alternatively, the strip 4 may becomprised of stretch non-slip medical grade silicone or similar,preferably latex free, material. The non-slip silicone may be applied ina continuous or discontinuous manner to form the strip 4. Alternatively,the entire inside of the tube may be coated with low tack non-slipsilicone or similar, preferably latex free, material.

Although not depicted in FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b) of the super-stretch tube1, in an alternative exemplary embodiment of the super-stretch tube 1according to the present invention, there may also be one or moresuper-stretch tube fastening straps attached to an exterior surface 9 ofthe super-stretch tube 1. The one or more super-stretch tube fasteningstraps may be configured in a similar fashion as fastening strap 23shown in FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b) and discussed below. Preferably, a firstfastening strap of the one or more super-stretch tube fastening strapsmay be provided in close proximity to the first open end 6 of thesuper-stretch tube 1 and a second fastening strap of the one or more ofthe super-stretch tube fastening straps may be provided in closeproximity to the to the second open end 8 of the super-stretch tube 1.

FIG. 2(a) shows an exemplary embodiment of a wound/bandage protector 20,according to the present invention. The wound/bandage protector 20 isconfigured as a “sock/mitten”, with a body 21 that has a first end 21Athat is open and a second end 21B that is closed. The body 21 may bemade of super-stretchable or stretchable material similar to thematerial of the super-stretch tube 1, discussed above and shown in FIG.1 and at least a portion of the non-wound facing side of the body 21 maybe configured as a Velcro® loop type fastener. The stretchable materialof the body 21 of the wound/bandage protector 20 at least provides suchstretching capacity in a manner that allows a circumference of the body21 to vary. The stretchable material of the body 21 may, alternatively,provide such stretching capacity that allows both the circumference anda length of the body 21 to vary.

The body 21 has a panel 22 which may be made of material that has littleor no stretch. The panel 22 is shown in FIG. 2(a), which illustrates anoutside side view showing a portion of an external non-wound facingsurface of the wound/bandage protector 20. However, the panel 22 is notnecessarily visibly distinguishable from the rest of the body 21,particularly on the external non-wound facing surface of thewound/bandage protector 20. A gauze pad (not specifically illustrated inFIG. 2(a) may be affixed to the panel 22 on an internal wound-facingside. Alternatively, the gauze pad may be attached to the panel 22 in atemporary fashion such as via use of a Velcro® type fastening system ora reusable pressure sensitive adhesive such as that used in Post-it®notes. In another alternative embodiment, the panel 22 and the gauze padis made of stretchable or super-stretchable material. In thisembodiment, the entire body 21 may be configured to function as thepanel 22.

In the context of this specification, gauze, or gauze pad, refers to anymaterial or composite of material that may be therapeutically used as apad over a wound. For example, the gauze pad may be made of cotton or apolyester blend fabric. The fabric may be covered with a plastic porousfilm such as Telfa® which prevents or minimizes wound adhesion.Furthermore, the gauze pad may be backed with a film that prevents bodyfluids from penetrating through the gauze pad to the bandage.

The body 21 has an external non-wound facing surface and an internalwound-facing surface. Attached to the external non-wound facing surfaceof the body 21 proximate to the first end 21A is a fastening strap 23A.The fastening strap 23A, as illustrated in FIG. 2(a) has a first strappart 23 that may be attached to the body 21 via a first attachmentregion 24. The first strap part 23 may be comprised of a stretchable orsuper stretchable material similar to the material used in thesuper-stretch tube 1. The material of the first strap part 23 preferablyprovides a stretching resistance that is greater than the stretchingresistance of the body 21. The material of the first strap part 23 atleast provides such stretching capacity in a manner that allows thelength of the fastening strap 23A to vary. The first attachment region24 is preferably configured as a dead zone to provide no stretch and maybe comprised of a composite of the material of the first strap part 23and the body 21 of the wound/bandage protector 20 and may be attached bya punch and melt heat seal. Alternatively, the first strap part 23 isdirectly attached to the body 21 without the first attachment region 24intervening therebetween.

A second strap part 27 is attached to the first strap part 23 via asecond attachment region 25. The second attachment region 25 ispreferably configured as a dead zone to provide no stretch and may becomprised of a composite of the material of the first strap part 23 andthe second strap part 27 and may be attached by a punch and melt heatseal. Alternatively, the second strap part 27 is directly attached tothe first strap part 23 without the second attachment region 25intervening therebetween. The fastening strap 23A has a wound facingside, which may be seen in FIG. 2(a). The second strap part 27 has aportion 26 that includes a Velcro® hook type material, such as VelcroUSA HTH 819 natural, on a wound-facing side of the fastening strap 23A.Alternatively, the second strap part 27 or the entire fastening strap23A may be comprised of a cohesive material such as Coban™ so that thefastening strap 23A when wrapped around can fasten to itself.

On the internal wound-facing surface of the of the body 21 proximate tothe first end 21A is a strip 21C, which may be similar in configurationto the strip 4 in the super-stretch tube 1, having one or more threadsmade of a rubberized material that provides a moderate amount offriction interwoven in the strip 21C in such a manner that therubberized material threads are exposed. Alternatively, the strip 21Cmay be made of stretch non-slip silicone or similar, preferably latexfree, material that provides a frictional surface. The non-slip siliconemay be applied in a continuous or discontinuous manner to form the strip21C. Preferably, the amount of friction provided by the frictionalsurface of the strip 21C should be one that does not cause discomfortwhen the wound/bandage protector 20 is worn. For purposes of thisapplication indication of “rubberized material” without furtherlimitation refers to any material that provides a frictional surface,including non-slip silicone and Coban™.

FIG. 2(c) illustrates the process of securing the wound/bandageprotector 20 of FIG. 2(a) by showing the fastening strap 23A in anintermediate position, as the fastening strap 23A is being extendedaround the external non-wound facing surface of the wound/bandageprotector 20 in the direction indicated by arrow 27A. The fasteningstrap 23A has a non-wound facing side, which may be seen in FIG. 2(c).The first strap part 23 may be configured to act as a loop portion of aVelcro® type fastener on the non-wound facing side of the first strappart 23. The second strap part 27 may be configured as a loop portion ofa Velcro® type fastener on the non-wound facing side of the fasteningstrap 23A.

The wound/bandage protector 20 may be slipped onto an appendage throughthe opening on the first end 21A of the body 21 so that the gauze padthat is affixed to the panel 22 of the wound/bandage protector 20 coversa wound on the appendage, and the wound/bandage protector 20 is thensecured in place by wrapping the fastening strap 23A around the outsideof the wound/bandage protector 20 and affixing the Velcro hook fastenerportion 26 of the second strap part 27 to the loop portion of the firststrap part 23, the body 21, or the loop portion of the second strap part27.

FIG. 2(d) shows another exemplary embodiment of a wound/bandageprotector 20D, according to the present invention, that is configured asa “sock/mitten”. The wound/bandage protector 20D has a body 21D that maybe configured as described above for the body 21. The body 21D has afirst end 21DA that is open and a second end 21DB that is closed and apanel 22D where a gauze pad may be permanently or detachably affixed.The wound/bandage protector 20D, however, has a strap 23D locatedproximate to the first end 21DA that is comprised of a cohesive materialsuch as Coban™. The strap 23D, instead of attaching to an externalnon-wound facing surface of the body 21D, extends through a slit 24Dthat allows the strap 23D to extend onto an internal wound-facingsurface of the body 21D. FIG. 2(e) is a top cross-sectional view takenalong the line 2 e-2 e′ illustrating how the strap 23D attaches to theinternal wound-facing surface of the body 21D and extends entirelyaround a circumference of the body 21D or alternatively around a portionof the circumference. FIGS. 2(d) and 2(e) illustrate the wound/bandageprotector 20D with the strap 23D in an open position. FIG. 2(f)illustrates a top cross-sectional view of the wound/bandage protector20D in a closed position. As is illustrated, the portion of the strap23D that is not attached to the internal wound-facing side of the body21D is of sufficient length to extend around the outside circumferenceof the wound/bandage protector 20D and to overlap on itself so as tosecurely affix the strap 23D to itself. Alternatively, a portion of theoutside circumference of the wound/bandage protector 20D may be coveredwith the cohesive material so that the strap 23D can securely fasten tothe outside circumference of the wound/bandage protector 20D rather thanhaving the strap 23D extending around onto itself.

FIG. 3(a) shows an exemplary embodiment of a wound/bandage protector 30,according to the present invention. The wound/bandage protector 30 isconfigured as a sock/mitten similar to the wound/bandage protector 20 inFIG. 2(a). The wound/bandage protector 30 has a body 31 that has a firstend 31A that is open and a second end 31B that is closed. However, thebody 21 of the wound/bandage protector 20 has a uniform circumferencefrom the open end 21A to the closed end 21B and a panel 22, which has auniform width. In contrast, the body 31 of the wound/bandage protector30 is tapered from the open end 31A to the closed end 31B so that oneend is larger than the other, and a panel 32 is also tapered.Alternatively, the panel 32 may also have a uniform width, regardless ofthe shape or circumference of the body 31. The body 31 and the panel 32are otherwise similarly configured to the body 21 and the panel 22.

The body 31 has an external non-wound facing surface and an internalwound-facing surface. Attached to the external non-wound facing surfaceof the body 31 proximate to the first end 31A is a fastening strap 33A.The fastening strap 33A has a first strap part 33, a second strap part37, a portion 36 of the second strap part 37, a first attachment region34 and a second attachment region 35 that are configured similar to thecorresponding components of the fastening strap 23A in FIG. 2(a).

FIG. 2(b) illustrates a first alternative embodiment of a protectivesheath 28 and FIG. 3(b) illustrates a second alternative embodiment of aprotective sheath 38. Both the protective sheath 28 and the protectivesheath 38 may each be used in conjunction with either the wound/bandageprotector 20 or the wound/bandage protector 30. Each of the protectivesheaths 28, 38 has a body 28A, 38A with an opening on a first end 28B,38B and a second end 28C, 38C that is closed. The bodies 28A, 38A areconfigured to fit snugly over the exterior of the wound/bandageprotector 20, 30. The bodies 28A, 38A may be comprised of a waterproofor water resistant material such as the plastic material used inPlaytex® bottle liners or vinyl, or a waterproof or water resistantnon-woven material, and may be configured with a plastic backing and/orwith the capability of being stretchable or super stretchable.Alternatively, the bodies 28A, 38A may be comprised of a composite ofmaterials, preferably one that will provide a waterproof orwater-resistant barrier. The protective sheath 28 has a slit 29 and theprotective sheath 38 has a slot 39. Both the slit 29 and the slot 39 aresized and positioned to allow the fastening strap 23A, 33A of thewound/bandage protector 20,30 to fit through so that the fastening strap23A, 33A can extend around the outside of the sheath and secure both thewound/bandage protector 20,30 as well as the sheath to an appendagebeing bandaged. On the wound facing side of the fastening strap 23A, 33Amay be a tacky surface, which may be comprised of a pressure sensitiveadhesive, or rubberized surface, or self-adherent surface material witha corresponding self-adherent surface material on the protective sheath28,38. Preferably, the tacky surface of the fastening strap 23A, 33A ison the first and/or second attachment regions 24, 34 and 25, 35.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of a wound/bandage protector 40according to the present invention. The wound/bandage protector 40 isconfigured as a sock/mitten similar to the wound/bandage protector 30 inFIG. 3(a). The wound/bandage protector 40 has a body 41 that has a firstend 41A that is open and a second end 41B that is closed. However, thewound/bandage protector 30 has a panel 32 whereas the wound/bandageprotector 40 does not have a panel.

The body 41 is otherwise similarly configured to the body 31. The body41 has an external non-wound facing surface and an internal wound-facingsurface. Attached to the external non-wound facing surface of the body41 proximate to the first end 41A is a fastening strap 43A. Thefastening strap 43A has a first strap part 43, a second strap part 47, aportion 46 of the second strap part 47, a first attachment region 44 anda second attachment region 45 that are configured similar to thecorresponding components of the fastening strap 33A in FIG. 3(a).

The wound/bandage protector 40 may be slipped onto an appendage throughthe wound/bandage protector opening 41A so that it covers a wound or abandage on the appendage, or another wound/bandage protector such as theexemplary embodiments in FIGS. 2(a) and 3(a). The wound/bandageprotector 40 is then secured in place by wrapping the fastening strap43A around the outside of the wound/bandage protector 40 and affixingthe Velcro hook fastener portion 46 of the second strap part 47 to theloop portion of the first strap part 43, the body 41 or the loop portionof the second strap part 47.

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of a wound/bandage protector 50according to the present invention. The wound/bandage protector 50 isconfigured as a sock/mitten similar to the wound/bandage protector 20 inFIG. 2(a). The wound/bandage protector 50 has a body 51 that has a firstend 51A that is open and a second end 51B that is closed. However, thewound/bandage protector 20 has a panel 22 whereas the wound/bandageprotector 50 does not have a panel.

The body 51 is otherwise similarly configured to the body 21. The body51 has an external non-wound facing surface and an internal wound-facingsurface. Attached to the external non-wound facing surface of the body51 proximate to the first end 51A is a fastening strap 53A. Thefastening strap 53A has a first strap part 53, a second strap part 57, aportion 56 of the second strap part 57, a first attachment region 54 anda second attachment region 55 that are configured similar to thecorresponding components of the fastening strap 23A in FIG. 2(a).

The wound/bandage protector 50 may be slipped onto an appendage throughthe wound/bandage protector opening 51A so that it covers a wound or abandage on the appendage, or another wound/bandage protector such as theexemplary embodiments in FIGS. 2(a) and 3(a), and the wound/bandageprotector 50 is then secured in place by wrapping the Velcro stretchstrap around the outside of the wound/bandage protector 50 and affixingthe Velcro hook fastener portion 56 of the second strap part 57 to theloop portion of the first strap part 53, the body 51 or the loop portionof the second strap part 57.

FIGS. 6(a)-6(c) are, respectively, a top non-wound-facing view, a bottomwound facing view, and a cross-sectional side view taken along the lineII-IP of a wound/bandage protector 60 according to the presentinvention. The exemplary embodiment of the wound/bandage protector 60has a body portion 61 that is configured as a wrap which may becomprised of super-stretch material similar to the super-stretchmaterial used in the body 21, 31 of the bandage mittens/socks 20, 30.The body portion 61 is configured to act as a loop portion of a Velcro®type fastener on both the bottom wound-facing side of the wound/bandageprotector 60 and the top non-wound facing side of the wound/bandageprotector 60. The body portion 61 has a length that runs from a firstend 61A to a second end 61B. The stretchable material of the bodyportion 61 at least provides such stretching capacity in a manner thatallows the length of the body portion 61 to vary. The stretchablematerial of the body portion 61 may, alternatively, provide suchstretching capacity that allows both the length of the body portion 61as well as a width of the body portion 61 which is perpendicular to thelength of the body portion 61 to vary.

A gauze port 62A is positioned on or integrated into the body portion 61proximal to the first end of the body portion 61A. The gauze port 62A isan area where a gauze pad 69 may be attached or removably attached tothe wound-facing side of the body portion 61. The gauze port 62A may becomprised of non-stretchable material and may have a surface that isconfigured for repeated removal and attachment of gauze by having eithera hook or loop Velcro® type fastening surface or a surface that providesa good bond with a re-stickable adhesive such as that found in Post-it®notes. Alternatively, both the gauze port 62A and the gauze pad 69 mayhave a low tack adhesive, such as a low tack silicone adhesive. The lowtack adhesive may be on the entire non-wound facing side of the gauzepad 69, or may be just on a portion of the non-wound facing side of thegauze pad 69. Another possibility is that the surface of the gauze port62A may be comprised of an adhesive that allows for the permanentattachment of the gauze pad 69. The gauze port 62A may be used to attachdifferent sized gauze pads 69 as well as to periodically replace thegauze pad 69 in the wound/bandage protector 60 shown in this embodiment.The gauze port 62A may be sized and/or configured so as to attach toall, a substantial portion, or a small portion as illustrated in theFIGS. 6(b) and 6(c), such as one side of the gauze pad 69.

In closer proximity to the first end 61A of the body portion 61 of thewound/bandage protector 60 than the gauze port 62A, is a strip 62, whichmay be similar in configuration to the strip 4 in the first embodiment,having one or more threads made of a rubberized material that provides amoderate amount of friction interwoven in the strip 62 in such a mannerthat the rubberized material threads are exposed. Alternatively, thestrip 62 may be made of stretch non-slip silicone or similar, preferablylatex free, material that provides a frictional surface. The non-slipsilicone may be applied in a continuous or discontinuous manner to formthe strip 62. Preferably, the amount of friction provided by thefrictional surface of the strip 62 should be one that does not causediscomfort when the wound/bandage protector 60 is worn. The strip 62could be configured so that it is not stretchable in either one or bothof the length or the width directions. The strip 62 may be providedalong the top non-wound facing side of the wound/bandage protector 60and/or the bottom wound facing side of the wound/bandage protector 60.Moreover, the strip 62 may extend around sides of the wound/bandageprotector 60 and along both the top non-wound facing side of thewound/bandage protector 60 and the bottom wound facing side of thewound/bandage protector 60 so as to form an annular shape.

A region 63A of the body portion 61 extends from the strip 62 to thefirst end of the body portion 61. On the end region 63A of the first endof the body portion 61A, although not necessarily on the entire endregion 63A, is a first-catch fastening surface 63 on the topnon-wound-facing side of the wound/bandage protector 60. The first endof the body portion 61A may be curved as shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) orstraight or any other configuration.

Attached to the second end of the body portion 61B are two fasteningstraps 64A. Each of the fastening straps 64A may be comprised of twoparts. A first strap part 64 is attached to the second end of thewound/bandage protector body portion 61B and is made out of asuper-stretch material which may be adapted to function as a loopportion of a Velcro®-type fastener on both the top non-wound facing sideand the bottom wound-facing side of the wound/bandage protector 60. Thesuper-stretch material of the first strap part 64 preferably provides astretching resistance that is greater than the stretching resistance ofthe body portion 61. The first strap part 64 may be attached to thesecond end of the wound/bandage protector body portion 61B via anattachment region 65 which is preferably configured as a dead zone toprovide no stretch. The attachment region 65 may be comprised of acomposite of the material of the first strap part 64 and the bodyportion 61 of the wound/bandage protector 60 and may be attached by apunch and melt heat seal. Alternatively, the first strap part 64 isdirectly attached to the body portion 61 without an attachment region 65intervening therebetween.

A second strap part 68 is attached to the first strap part 64 via anattachment region 66. The attachment region 66 is preferably configuredas a dead zone to provide no stretch and may be comprised of a compositeof the material of the first strap part 64 and the second strap part 68and may be attached by a punch and melt heat seal. The second strap part68 has a portion 67 which includes a Velcro® hook type material on thebottom wound-facing side of each of the fastening straps 64A.Alternatively, the second strap part 68 is directly attached to thefirst strap part 64 without an attachment region 66 interveningtherebetween. There may be a spacing 64B between inner sides of the twofastening straps 64A at the second end of the wound/bandage protectorbody portion 61B. The shape of the inner sides of the two fasteningstraps 64A may be comprised of an arc, an arc combined with a straightline, an angled line, or any other embodiment which would allow for adistance between the two inner sides of the two fastening straps 64A.The magnitude of the spacing 64B may increase along a length of thefastening straps 64A running from the first strap part 64 to the secondstrap part 68. The two fastening straps 64A have lengths 64C runningfrom the second end of the wound/bandage protector body portion 61B tothe second strap part 68 which may run parallel to each other. The outersides of the two fastening straps 64A may run parallel to each other andmay continue the straight lines formed by the sides of the body portion61 of the wound/bandage protector 60.

FIG. 60 shows an alternative exemplary configuration of a bottom view ofthe wound/bandage protector 60 according to the present invention. Inthis configuration, instead of the vertical strip 62, there may be ahorizontal strip 62B along or proximal to an upper edge of thewound/bandage protector 60, there may be a horizontal strip 62D along orproximal to a lower edge of the wound/bandage protector 60, and theremay be a horizontal strip 62C at another position between the strips 62Band 62D of the wound/bandage protector 60. There may also be anycombination of these strips, i.e. only strips 62B and 62D, or 62B and62C, or 62C and 62D, or any one of the strips 62B, 62C or 62D. In analternative embodiment not shown in the figure, there may be one or morevertical strips along the bottom wound-facing side of wound/bandage 60rather than horizontal strips. In another alternative embodiment notshown in the figure, rather than vertical or horizontal strips, theentire wound-facing side of the body portion 61 may be provided with alow tack non-slip silicone coating or similar material. According tothis exemplary embodiment, there may be a dead zone 65B at or proximalto the first end 61A, there may be a dead zone 65D at or proximal to thesecond end 61B, and there may be a dead zone 65C preferably at orproximal to the middle of the body portion 61 or at some other positionbetween the dead zone 65B and the dead zone 65D. Alternatively, insteadof or in addition to the strips 62B, 62C and 62D, the dead zones 65B,65C and 65D may be configured as strips as well.

FIGS. 7(a)-7(c) are, respectively, a top non-wound-facing view, a bottomwound facing view, and a cross-sectional side view taken along the lineIII-III′ of a wound/bandage protector 70 according to the presentinvention. The exemplary embodiment of the wound/bandage protector 70has a body portion 71 that is configured as a wrap which may becomprised of super-stretch material similar to the super-stretchmaterial used in the body 21, 31 of the bandage mittens/socks 20, 30.The body portion 71 is configured to act as a loop portion of a Velcro®type fastener on both the bottom wound-facing side of the wound/bandageprotector 70 and the top non-wound facing side of the wound/bandageprotector 70. The body portion 71 has a length that runs from a firstend 71A to a second end 71B. The stretchable material of the bodyportion 71 at least provides such stretching capacity in a manner thatallows the length of the body portion 71 to vary. The stretchablematerial of the body portion 71 may, alternatively, provide suchstretching capacity that allows both the length of the body portion 71as well as a width of the body portion 71 which is perpendicular to thelength of the body portion 71 to vary.

A gauze port 72A is positioned on or integrated into the body portion 71proximal to the first end 71A of the body portion 71. The gauze port 72Ais an area where a gauze pad 79 may be attached or removably attached tothe wound-facing side of the body portion 71. The gauze port 72A may becomprised of non-stretchable material and may have a surface that isconfigured for repeated removal and attachment of gauze by having eithera hook or loop Velcro® type fastening surface or a surface that providesa good bond with a re-stickable adhesive such as that found in Post-it®notes. Alternatively, the surface of the gauze port 72A may be comprisedof an adhesive that allows for the permanent attachment of the gauze pad79. The gauze port 72A may be used to attach different sized gauze pads79 as well as to periodically replace the gauze pad 79 in thewound/bandage protector 70 shown in this embodiment. The gauze port 72Amay be sized and or configured so as to attach to all, a substantialportion, or a small portion such as one side of the gauze pad 79.

In closer proximity to the first end 71A of the body portion 71 of thewound/bandage protector 70 than the gauze port 72A, is a strip 72, whichmay be similar in configuration to the strip 4 in the first embodiment,having one or more threads made of a rubberized material that provides amoderate amount of friction interwoven in the strip 72 in such a mannerthat the rubberized material threads are exposed. Alternatively, thestrip 72 may be made of other material that provides a frictionalsurface. Preferably, the amount of friction provided by the frictionalsurface of the strip 72 should be one that does not cause discomfortwhen the wound/bandage protector 70 is worn. The strip 72 could beconfigured so that it is not stretchable in either one or both of thelength or the width directions. The strip 72 may be provided along thetop non-wound facing side of the wound/bandage protector 70 and/or thebottom wound facing side of the wound/bandage protector 70. Moreover,the strip 72 may extend around sides of the wound/bandage protector 70and along both the top non-wound facing side of the wound/bandageprotector 70 and the bottom wound facing side of the wound/bandageprotector 70 so as to form an annular shape.

An end region 73A of the body portion 71 extends from the strip 72 tothe first end 71A of the body portion 71. A portion of the end region73A may be tapered so as to provide a gradual diminution in the width ofthe body portion 71 toward the first end 71A. A tab 75 extends from thefirst end 71A of the body portion 71. The tab 75 may be centered alongthe outer edge of the first end 71A. On the tab 75 is a first catchfastening surface 73 on the top non-wound-facing side of thewound/bandage protector 70. The first catch fastening surface 73 mayalso extend onto the end region 73A.

On the second end of the body portion 71B are two fastening straps 74.The two fastening straps 74 are a continuation of the same piece ofsuper-stretch material as the body portion 71. There may be a spacing74B between inner sides of the two fastening straps 74A at the secondend of the wound/bandage protector body portion 71B. The shape of theinner sides of the two fastening straps 74 may be an angled line asshown in FIGS. 5(a) &5(b), an arc, an arc combined with a straight line,or any other configuration which would allow for a distance between thetwo inner sides of the two fastening straps 74. The magnitude of thespacing 74B may increase along a length of the fastening straps 74. Thetwo fastening straps 74 have lengths 74C running from the second end ofthe wound/bandage protector body portion 71B to the second strap part 78which may run parallel to each other. Outer sides of the two fasteningstraps 74A may run parallel to each other and may continue straightlines formed by the sides of the body portion 71 of the wound/bandageprotector 70, as shown in FIGS. 5(a) &5(b). Alternatively, the outersides of the two fastening straps 74 may assume a shape that tapersinwardly, toward the inner sides of the fastening straps 74A, oroutwardly, away from the inner sides of the fastening straps 74A. An endportion 77 of each of the two fastening straps 74 has a Velcro® hooktype material on the bottom wound-facing side of the wound/bandageprotector 70.

FIGS. 8(a)-8(c) are, respectively, a top non-wound-facing view, a bottomwound facing view, and a cross-sectional side view taken along the lineIV-IV′ of a wound/bandage protector 80 according to the presentinvention. The exemplary embodiment of the wound/bandage protector 80has a body portion 81 that is configured as a wrap which may becomprised of super-stretch material similar to the super-stretchmaterial used in the body 21, 31 of the bandage mittens/socks 20, 30.The body portion 81 is configured to act as a loop portion of a Velcro®type fastener on both the bottom wound-facing side of the wound/bandageprotector 80 and the top non-wound facing side of the wound/bandageprotector 80. The body portion 81 has a length that runs from a firstend 81A to a second end 81B. The stretchable material of the bodyportion 81 at least provides such stretching capacity in a manner thatallows the length of the body portion 81 to vary. The stretchablematerial of the body portion 81 may, alternatively, provide suchstretching capacity that allows both the length of the body portion 81as well as a width of the body portion 81 which is perpendicular to thelength of the body portion 81 to vary.

A gauze port 82A is positioned on or integrated into the body portion 81proximal to the first end 81A of the body portion 81. The gauze port 82Ais an area where a portion of a gauze pad 89 may be attached orremovably attached to the wound-facing side of the body portion 81. Thegauze port 82A may be comprised of non-stretchable material and may havea surface that is configured for repeated removal and attachment ofgauze by having either a hook or loop Velcro® type fastening surface ora surface that provides a good bond with a re-stickable adhesive such asthat found in Post-it® notes. Alternatively, the surface of the gauzeport 82A may be comprised of an adhesive that allows for the permanentattachment of the gauze pad 89. The gauze port 82A may be used to attachdifferent sized gauze pads 89 as well as to periodically replace thegauze pad 89 in the wound/bandage protector 80 shown in this embodiment.The gauze port 82A may be sized and or configured so as to attach toall, a substantial portion, or a small portion such as one side of thegauze pad 89.

In closer proximity to the first end 81A of the body portion 81 of thewound/bandage protector 80 than the gauze port 82A, is a strip 82, whichmay be similar in configuration to the strip 4 in the first embodiment,having one or more threads made of a rubberized material that provides amoderate amount of friction interwoven in the strip 82 in such a mannerthat the rubberized material threads are exposed. Alternatively, thestrip 82 may be made of other material that provides a frictionalsurface. Preferably, the amount of friction provided by the frictionalsurface of the strip 82 should be one that does not cause discomfortwhen the wound/bandage protector 80 is worn. The strip 82 could beconfigured so that it is not stretchable in either one or both of thelength or the width directions. The strip 82 may be provided along thetop non-wound facing side of the wound/bandage protector 80 and/or thebottom wound facing side of the wound/bandage protector 80. Moreover,the strip 82 may extend around sides of the wound/bandage protector 80and along both the top non-wound facing side of the wound/bandageprotector 80 and the bottom wound facing side of the wound/bandageprotector 80 so as to form an annular shape.

An end region 83A of the body portion 81 extends from the strip 82 tothe first end 81A of the body portion 81. A portion of the end region83A may be tapered so as to provide a gradual diminution in the width ofthe body portion 81 toward the first end 81A. A tab 85 extends from thefirst end 81A of the body portion 81. The tab 85 may be centered alongthe outer edge of the first end 81A. On the tab 85 is a first catchfastening surface 83 on the top non-wound-facing side of thewound/bandage protector 80. The first catch fastening surface 83 mayalso extend onto the end region 83A.

A second end region 88 extends along the body portion 81 from a pointalong the length of the body portion 81 that is proximal to the secondend 81B of the body portion 81, to the second end 81B. A portion of theend region 88 may be tapered so as to provide a gradual diminution inthe width of the body portion 81 toward the second end 81B. On thesecond end region 88, although not necessarily on the entire second endregion 88, is a fastening portion 84 that can engage and hold fast tothe body portion 81 on the top non-wound facing side of thewound/bandage protector 80, or a portion thereof. The fastening portion84 may be made of a Velcro® hook type material provided on the bottomwound-facing side of the wound/bandage protector 80.

FIGS. 9(a)-9(c) are, respectively, a top non-wound-facing view, a bottomwound facing view, and a cross-sectional side view taken along the lineV-V′ of a wound/bandage protector 90 according to the present invention.The exemplary embodiment of the wound/bandage protector 90 has a bodyportion 91 that is configured as a wrap which may be comprised ofsuper-stretch material similar to the super-stretch material used in thebody 21, 31 of the bandage mittens/socks 20, 30. The body portion 91 isconfigured to act as a loop portion of a Velcro® type fastener on boththe bottom wound-facing side of the wound/bandage protector 90 and thetop non-wound facing side of the wound/bandage protector 90. The bodyportion 91 has a length that runs from a first end 91A to a second end91B. The stretchable material of the body portion 91 at least providessuch stretching capacity in a manner that allows the length of the bodyportion 91 to vary. The stretchable material of the body portion 91 may,alternatively, provide such stretching capacity that allows both thelength of the body portion 91 as well as a width of the body portion 91which is perpendicular to the length of the body portion 91 to vary.

A gauze panel 92A is positioned on or integrated into the body portion91 proximal to the first end 91A of the body portion 91. The gauze panel92A is an area where all or substantially all of a gauze pad 99 may beattached or removably attached to the wound-facing side of the bodyportion 91. The gauze panel 92A may be comprised of non-stretchablematerial and may have a surface that is configured for repeated removaland attachment of gauze by having either a hook or loop Velcro® typefastening surface or a surface that provides a good bond with are-stickable adhesive such as that found in Post-it® notes.Alternatively, the surface of the gauze panel 92A may be comprised of anadhesive that allows for the permanent attachment of the gauze pad 99.The gauze panel 92A may be used to attach different sized gauze pads 99as well as to periodically replace the gauze pad 99 in the wound/bandageprotector 90 shown in this embodiment.

In closer proximity to the first end 91A of the body portion 91 of thewound/bandage protector 90 than the gauze panel 92A, may be a strip 92,which may be similar in configuration to the strip 4 in the firstembodiment, having one or more threads made of a rubberized materialthat provides a moderate amount of friction interwoven in the strip 92in such a manner that the rubberized material threads are exposed.Alternatively, the strip 92 may be made of other material that providesa frictional surface. Preferably, the amount of friction provided by thefrictional surface of the strip 92 should be one that does not causediscomfort when the wound/bandage protector 90 is worn. The strip 92could be configured so that it is not stretchable in either one or bothof the length or the width directions. The strip 92 may be providedalong the top non-wound facing side of the wound/bandage protector 90and/or the bottom wound facing side of the wound/bandage protector 90.Moreover, the strip 92 may extend around sides of the wound/bandageprotector 90 and along both the top non-wound facing side of thewound/bandage protector 90 and the bottom wound facing side of thewound/bandage protector 90 so as to form an annular shape.

An end region 93A of the body portion 91 extends from the strip 92 tothe first end 91A of the body portion 91. A portion of the end region93A may be tapered so as to provide a gradual diminution in the width ofthe body portion 91 toward the first end 91A. A tab 95 extends from thefirst end 91A of the body portion 91. The tab 95 may be centered alongthe outer edge of the first end 91A. On the tab 95 is a first catchfastening surface 93 on the top non-wound-facing side of thewound/bandage protector 90. The first catch fastening surface 93 mayalso extend onto the end region 93A.

A second end region 98 extends along the body portion 91 from a pointalong the length of the body portion 91 that is proximal to the secondend 91B of the body portion 91, to the second end 91B. A portion of theend region 98 may be tapered so as to provide a gradual diminution inthe width of the body portion 91 toward the second end 91B. On thesecond end region 98, although not necessarily on the entire second endregion 98, is a fastening portion 94 that can engage and hold fast tothe body portion 91 on the top non-wound facing side of thewound/bandage protector 90, or a portion thereof. The fastening portion94 may be made of a Velcro® hook type material provided on the bottomwound-facing side of the wound/bandage protector 90.

FIGS. 10(a)-10(c) are, respectively, a top non-wound-facing view, abottom wound facing view, and a cross-sectional side view taken alongthe line VI-VI′ of a wound/bandage protector 100 according to thepresent invention. The exemplary embodiment of the wound/bandageprotector 100 has a body portion 101 that is configured as a wrap, whichmay be comprised of super-stretch material similar to the super-stretchmaterial used in the body 21, 31 of the bandage mittens/socks 20, 30.The body portion 101 is configured to act as a loop portion of a Velcro®type fastener on both the bottom wound-facing side of the wound/bandageprotector 100 and the top non-wound facing side of the wound/bandageprotector 100. The body portion 101 has a length that runs from a firstend 101A to a second end 101B. The stretchable material of the bodyportion 101 at least provides such stretching capacity in a manner thatallows the length of the body portion 101 to vary. The stretchablematerial of the body portion 101 may, alternatively, provide suchstretching capacity that allows both the length of the body portion 101as well as a width of the body portion 101 which is perpendicular to thelength of the body portion 101 to vary.

A gauze panel 102A is positioned on or integrated into the body portion101 proximal to the first end 101A of the body portion 101. The gauzepanel 102A is an area where all or substantially all of a gauze pad 109may be attached or removably attached to the wound-facing side of thebody portion 101. The gauze panel 102A may be comprised ofnon-stretchable material and may have a surface that is configured forrepeated removal and attachment of gauze by having either a hook or loopVelcro® type fastening surface or a surface that provides a good bondwith a re-stickable adhesive such as that found in Post-it® notes.Alternatively, the surface of the gauze panel 102A may be comprised ofan adhesive that allows for the permanent attachment of the gauze pad109. The gauze panel 102A may be used to attach different sized gauzepads 109 as well as to periodically replace the gauze pad 109 in thewound/bandage protector 100 shown in this embodiment.

In closer proximity to the first end 101A of the body portion 101 of thewound/bandage protector 100 than the gauze panel 102A, may be a strip102, which may be similar in configuration to the strip 4 in the firstembodiment, having one or more threads made of a rubberized materialthat provides a moderate amount of friction interwoven in the strip 102in such a manner that the rubberized material threads are exposed.Alternatively, the strip 102 may be made of other material that providesa frictional surface. Preferably, the amount of friction provided by thefrictional surface of the strip 102 should be one that does not causediscomfort when the wound/bandage protector 100 is worn. The strip 102could be configured so that it is not stretchable in either one or bothof the length or the width directions. The strip 102 may be providedalong the top non-wound facing side of the wound/bandage protector 100and/or the bottom wound facing side of the wound/bandage protector 100.Moreover, the strip 102 may extend around sides of the wound/bandageprotector 100 and along both the top non-wound facing side of thewound/bandage protector 100 and the bottom wound facing side of thewound/bandage protector 100 so as to form an annular shape.

An end region 103A of the body portion 101 extends from the strip 102 tothe first end 101A of the body portion 101. A portion of the end region103A may be tapered so as to provide a gradual diminution in the widthof the body portion 101 toward the first end 101A. A tab 105 extendsfrom the first end 101A of the body portion 101. The tab 105 may becentered along the outer edge of the first end 101A. On the tab 105 is afirst catch fastening surface 103 on the top non-wound-facing side ofthe wound/bandage protector 100. The first catch fastening surface 103may also extend onto the end region 103A.

Attached to the second end of the body portion 101B is a fastening strap104A. The fastening strap 104A may be comprised of two parts. A firststrap part 104 is attached to the second end of the wound/bandageprotector body portion 101B and is made out of a super-stretch materialwhich may be adapted to function as a loop portion of a Velcro®-typefastener on both the top non-wound facing side and the bottomwound-facing side of the wound/bandage protector 100. The super-stretchmaterial of the first strap part 104 preferably provides a stretchingresistance that is greater than the stretching resistance of the bodyportion 101. The first strap part 104 may be attached to the second endof the wound/bandage protector body portion 101B via an attachmentregion 105 which is preferably configured to provide no stretch. Theattachment region 105 may be comprised of a composite of the material ofthe first strap part 104 and the body portion 101 of the wound/bandageprotector 100 and may be attached by a punch and melt heat seal.Alternatively, the first strap part 104 is directly attached to the bodyportion 101 without an attachment region 105 intervening therebetween. Asecond strap part 108 is attached to the first strap part 104 via anattachment region 106. The attachment region 106 may be comprised of acomposite of the material of the first strap part 104 and the secondstrap part 108 and may be attached by a punch and melt heat seal. Thesecond strap part 108 has a portion 107 which includes a Velcro® hooktype material on the bottom wound-facing side of the fastening strap104A. Alternatively, the second strap part 108 is directly attached tothe first strap part 104 without an attachment region 106 interveningtherebetween.

FIGS. 11(a)-11(c) are, respectively, a top non-wound-facing view, abottom wound facing view, and a cross-sectional side view taken alongthe line VII-VII′ of a wound/bandage protector 110 according to thepresent invention. The exemplary embodiment of the wound/bandageprotector 110 has a body portion 111 that is configured as a wrap, whichmay be comprised of super-stretch material similar to the super-stretchmaterial used in the body 21, 31 of the bandage mittens/socks 20, 30.The body portion 111 is configured to act as a loop portion of a Velcro®type fastener on both the bottom wound-facing side of the wound/bandageprotector 110 and the top non-wound facing side of the wound/bandageprotector 110. The body portion 111 has a length that runs from a firstend 111A to a second end 111B. The stretchable material of the bodyportion 111 at least provides such stretching capacity in a manner thatallows the length of the body portion 111 to vary. The stretchablematerial of the body portion 111 may, alternatively, provide suchstretching capacity that allows both the length of the body portion 111as well as a width of the body portion 111 which is perpendicular to thelength of the body portion 111 to vary.

A gauze port 112A is attached to the body portion 111 proximal to thefirst end 111A of the body portion 111. The gauze port 112A is an areawhere a portion of a gauze pad 119 may be attached or removably attachedto the wound-facing side of the body portion 111. The gauze port 112Amay be comprised of non-stretchable material and may have a surface thatis configured for repeated removal and attachment of gauze by havingeither a hook or loop Velcro® type fastening surface or a surface thatprovides a good bond with a re-stickable adhesive such as that found inPost-it® notes. Alternatively, the surface of the gauze port 112A may becomprised of an adhesive that allows for the permanent attachment of thegauze pad 119. The gauze port 112A may be used to attach different sizedgauze pads 119 as well as to periodically replace the gauze pad 119 inthe wound/bandage protector 110 shown in this embodiment. The gauze port112A may be sized and or configured so as to attach to all, asubstantial portion, or a small portion such as one side of the gauzepad 119.

In closer proximity to the first end 111A of the body portion 111 of thewound/bandage protector 110 than the gauze port 112A, may be a strip112, which may be similar in configuration to the strip 4 in the firstembodiment, having one or more threads made of a rubberized materialthat provides a moderate amount of friction interwoven in the strip 112in such a manner that the rubberized material threads are exposed.Alternatively, the strip 112 may be made of other material that providesa frictional surface. Preferably, the amount of friction provided by thefrictional surface of the strip 112 should be one that does not causediscomfort when the wound/bandage protector 110 is worn. The strip 112could be configured so that it is not stretchable in either one or bothof the length or the width directions. The strip 112 may be providedalong the top non-wound facing side of the wound/bandage protector 110and/or the bottom wound facing side of the wound/bandage protector 110.Moreover, the strip 112 may extend around sides of the wound/bandageprotector 110 and along both the top non-wound facing side of thewound/bandage protector 110 and the bottom wound facing side of thewound/bandage protector 110 so as to form an annular shape.

An end region 113A of the body portion 111 extends from the strip 112 tothe first end 111A of the body portion 111. A portion of the end region113A may be tapered so as to provide a gradual diminution in the widthof the body portion 111 toward the first end 111A. A tab 115 extendsfrom the first end 111A of the body portion 111. The tab 115 may becentered along the outer edge of the first end 111A. On the tab 115 is afirst catch fastening surface 113 on the top non-wound-facing side ofthe wound/bandage protector 110. The first catch fastening surface 113may also extend onto the end region 113A.

Attached to the second end of the body portion 111B is a fastening strap114A. The fastening strap 114A may be comprised of two parts. A firststrap part 114 is attached to the second end of the wound/bandageprotector body portion 111B and is made out of a super-stretch materialwhich may be adapted to function as a loop portion of a Velcro®-typefastener on both the top non-wound facing side and the bottomwound-facing side of the wound/bandage protector 110. The super-stretchmaterial of the first strap part 114 preferably provides a stretchingresistance that is greater than the stretching resistance of the bodyportion 111. The first strap part 114 may be attached to the second endof the wound/bandage protector body portion 111B via an attachmentregion 115 which is preferably configured to provide no stretch. Theattachment region 115 may be comprised of a composite of the material ofthe first strap part 114 and the body portion 111 of the wound/bandageprotector 110 and may be attached by a punch and melt heat seal.Alternatively, the first strap part 114 is directly attached to the bodyportion 111 without an attachment region 115 intervening therebetween. Asecond strap part 118 is attached to the first strap part 114 via anattachment region 116. The attachment region 116 may be comprised of acomposite of the material of the first strap part 114 and the secondstrap part 118 and may be attached by a punch and melt heat seal. Thesecond strap part 118 has a portion 117 which includes a Velcro® hooktype material on the bottom wound-facing side of the fastening strap114A. Alternatively, the second strap part 118 is directly attached tothe first strap part 114 without an attachment region 116 interveningtherebetween.

In certain situations, it may be preferable to apply an adhesive bandageto a wound, particularly on joints, whose constant movement may causethe gauze to move. In those situations, according to the presentinvention, a “diamond gauze”, “triangle gauze” or “stretchable gauze”adhesive bandage, as discussed below, are preferably utilized as theyhave been found to have advantages over other bandages known in the art.One of the advantages of the “diamond gauze”, “triangle gauze” and“stretchable gauze” bandages is that they can provide superior adherenceand conformability to a wound area with a maximal area of gauze,particularly for wounds on joints. The “diamond gauze”, “trianglegauze”, and “stretchable gauze” adhesive bandages may be used alone orin conjunction with the super-stretch tube in FIG. 1 or a bandagewound/protector such as those shown in FIGS. 2 through 11, preferablywithout the gauze pad which may be shown as an alternative in thosefigures. In addition, the “diamond gauze”, “triangle gauze” and“stretchable gauze” configurations discussed below may be integratedwith a bandage wound/protector such as those shown in FIGS. 2 through 11without the use of a separate adhesive bandage. Moreover, the “diamondgauze” and “triangle gauze” bandages may concurrently be configured as“stretchable gauze” bandages. A “stretchable gauze” bandage is anybandage with a stretchable body portion and a stretchable gauze padaffixed to the wound-facing side of the body portion. The body portionmay have adhesive on at least a portion of a wound facing side or,alternatively, the body portion may include self adherent material, suchas the nonwoven laminate used in 3M™ Coban™ Self-Adherent Wrap.

FIGS. 66(a)-66(c) are, respectively, a top non-wound-facing view, abottom wound facing view, and a side view of a wound/bandage protector660 according to the present invention. The exemplary embodiment of thewound/bandage protector 660 has a body portion 661 that is configured asa wrap which may be comprised of super-stretch material similar to thesuper-stretch material used in the body 21, 31 of the bandagemittens/socks 20, 30. The body portion 661 is configured to act as aloop portion of a Velcro® type fastener on both the bottom wound-facingside of the wound/bandage protector 660 and the top non-wound facingside of the wound/bandage protector 660. The body portion 661 has alength that runs from a first end 661A to a second end 661B. Thestretchable material of the body portion 661 at least provides suchstretching capacity in a manner that allows the length of the bodyportion 661 to vary. The stretchable material of the body portion 661may, alternatively, provide such stretching capacity that allows boththe length of the body portion 661 as well as a width of the bodyportion 661 which is perpendicular to the length of the body portion 661to vary.

A gauze port 662 is positioned on or integrated into the body portion661 proximal to the first end of the body portion 661A. The gauze port662A is an area where a gauze pad 669 may be attached or removablyattached to the wound-facing side of the body portion 661. The gauzeport 662 may be comprised of non-stretchable material and may have asurface that is configured for repeated removal and attachment of gauzeby having either a hook or loop Velcro® type fastening surface or asurface that provides a good bond with a re-stickable adhesive such asthat found in Post-it® notes. Alternatively, both the gauze port 662 andthe gauze pad 669 may have a low tack adhesive, such as a low tacksilicone adhesive. The low tack adhesive may be on the entire non-woundfacing side of the gauze pad 669, or may be just on a portion of thenon-wound facing side of the gauze pad 669. Another possibility is thatthe surface of the gauze port 662 may be comprised of an adhesive thatallows for the permanent attachment of the gauze pad 669. The gauze port662 may be used to attach different sized gauze pads 669 as well as toperiodically replace the gauze pad 669 in the wound/bandage protector660 shown in this embodiment. The gauze port 662 may be sized and/orconfigured so as to attach to all, a substantial portion, or a smallportion as illustrated in the FIGS. 66(b) and 66(c), such as one side ofthe gauze pad 669.

In closer proximity to the first end 661A of the body portion 661 of thewound/bandage protector 660 than the gauze port 662A, is a strip 668,which may be similar in configuration to the strip 4 in the firstembodiment, having one or more threads made of a rubberized materialthat provides a moderate amount of friction interwoven in the strip 668in such a manner that the rubberized material threads are exposed.Alternatively, the strip 668 may be made of stretch non-slip silicone orsimilar, preferably latex free, material that provides a frictionalsurface. The non-slip silicone may be applied in a continuous ordiscontinuous manner to form the strip 668. Preferably, the amount offriction provided by the frictional surface of the strip 668 should beone that does not cause discomfort when the wound/bandage protector 660is worn. The strip 668 could be configured so that it is not stretchablein either one or both of the length or the width directions. The strip668 may be provided along the top non-wound facing side of thewound/bandage protector 660 and/or the bottom wound facing side of thewound/bandage protector 660. Moreover, the strip 668 may extend aroundsides of the wound/bandage protector 660 and along both the topnon-wound facing side of the wound/bandage protector 660 and the bottomwound facing side of the wound/bandage protector 660 so as to form anannular shape.

A first strap 664A extends from the first end 661A of the body portion661 along, or proximal and substantially with, a line tangential to alower side 661C of the body portion 661. On the wound facing side of thefirst strap 664A is a first-attachment region 666 that preferablyextends to or proximal to an end of the first strap 664A that is distalto the body portion 661. The first-attachment region 666 is capable offastening to a portion of the non-wound facing side of the body portion661. A second strap 664B extends from the second end 661A of the bodyportion 661 along, or proximal and substantially with, a line tangentialto an upper side 661D of the body portion 661. On the wound facing sideof the second strap 664A is a second-attachment region 667 thatpreferably extends to or proximal to an end of the second strap 664Bthat is distal to the body portion 661. The second-attachment region 666is capable of fastening to a portion of the non-wound facing side of thebody portion 661. In the wound/bandage protector 660 the first andsecond straps 664A, 664B are made of the same integral piece of materialas the body portion. However, in other alternative embodiments the firstand second straps 664A, 664B may be constructed in the manner describedherein by straps in other exemplary embodiments of the wound bandageprotector. The first-attachment region 666 and second attachment region667 are preferably a hook portion of a Velcro®-type fastener, while thenon-wound facing side of the body portion 661 preferably acts as a loopportion of a Velcro®-type fastener. On the top non-wound-facing side ofthe wound/bandage protector 660 proximal or adjacent to the first end661A of the body portion is a first-catch fastening surface 663. Thefirst-catch fastening surface 663 extends between the upper side 661Dand the lower side 661C at least along a portion that is opposing thesecond strap 664B, such that when the wound/bandage protector 660 iswrapped around a limb a portion of the wound facing side of the secondstrap 664B may fasten to the first-catch fastening surface 663. Thefirst-catch fastening surface 663 is preferably a hook portion of aVelcro®-type fastener, while the wound facing side of the second strap664B preferably acts as a loop portion of a Velcro®-type fastener.

FIGS. 12(a)-12(f) are, respectively, a bottom wound-facing view, a topnon-wound facing view, two side views and two perspective views of anexemplary embodiment of a “diamond gauze” bandage 120 according to thepresent invention. The “diamond gauze” bandage 120 has a body portion121 in a square shape, preferably with rounded corners, which may bemade of any suitable material, preferably a stretchable and breathablematerial, which is known in the art to be used for bandaging wounds.

A gauze pad 122 is attached to the wound-facing side of the body portion121. In the context of this specification, gauze, or gauze pad, refersto any material or composite of material that may be therapeuticallyused as a pad over a wound. For example, the gauze pad may be made ofcotton or a polyester blend fabric. The fabric may be covered with aplastic porous film such as Telfa® which prevents or minimizes woundadhesion. Furthermore, the gauze pad may be backed with a film thatprevents body fluids from penetrating through the gauze pad and thenthrough the body portion of the bandage.

FIGS. 25(a)-(k) show several exemplary gauze pad configurations 250A,250B, 250C, 250D, 250E, 250F, 250G, 250H, 250I, 250J, 250K for “diamondgauze” bandages according to the present invention. The gauze pad 122,as shown in FIGS. 12(a)-12(f), has a square shape equivalent to thegauze pad configuration 250E. Alternatively, the gauze pad 122 may beconfigured in the shape of a diamond or rhombus as exemplified by thegauze pad configuration 250G, in a “kite shape” (quadrilateral with twodistinct pairs of equal adjacent sides) as exemplified by the gauze padconfiguration 250H, a rectangle as exemplified by the gauze padconfiguration 2501, or in the shape of an “offset diamond”(parallelogram with opposing sides of equal length, adjacent sides ofunequal length and corner angles not equal to 90 degrees) as exemplifiedby the gauze pad configuration 250F. One or more corners of the gauzepad 122 may be rounded, as exemplified by the corners of gauze padconfiguration 250D, or one or more corners of the gauze pad 122 may becut off, as exemplified by corners of gauze pad configurations 250J and250K. Furthermore, sides 124 of the gauze pad 122 need not be straight.For example, one or more of the sides 124 of the gauze pad 122 may be aconvex or concave curve, as exemplified by the sides of gauze padconfigurations 250A and 250B, respectively, or an undulating line, asexemplified by the sides of the gauze pad configuration 250C. Anycombination of side and corner configurations, such as the exemplaryones shown herein, may be applied to the gauze pad 122. However, allpossible shape configurations of a gauze pad in “diamond gauze” bandagesshould have four “primary corners”, i.e. the four corners of aquadrilateral or any four locations on a polygon where the polygonnarrows and that would together approximate a quadrilateral with sidesdefined by sides of the gauze pad between the primary corners. Where acorner is cut off or rounded, the narrowing of the polygon to the cornershould be substantial in order for the corner to be a “primary corner”,i.e. the narrowing should be greater than 50% and more preferablygreater than 75%, and even more preferably 85% and even more preferably95%. Thus, for example, a length 251L of a cut off corner 251K in gauzepad configuration 250D should be less than 50% of the length of aparallel line 251M drawn between the two opposing corners that areadjacent to the cut off corner 251K or more preferably the length of thecut off corner 251K should be less than 25% and even more preferablyless than 15% of the length of the parallel line 251M drawn between thetwo opposing corners that are adjacent to the cut off corner 251K.Similarly, with a rounded corner 251D, the diameter of a circle 251N,which is partially comprised of the arc of the rounded corner 251D,should be less than 50% of the length of a line 251P drawn between thetwo opposing corners that are adjacent to the rounded corner 251D ormore preferably the diameter of a circle 251N should be less than 25%and even more preferably less than 15% of the length of the parallelline 251P drawn between the two opposing corners that are adjacent tothe rounded corner 251D. In the exemplary gauze pad configurations 250A,250B, 250C, 250D, 250E, 250F, 250G, 250H, 250I, 250J, 250K, there arefour primary corners 251, identified by circles, and they are orientedas indicated by directional arrows associated with each of the primarycorners 251.

The primary corners of the gauze pad 122 are offset from the corners ofthe body portion 121 such that the sides 124 of the gauze pad 122 arenot parallel to edges 123 of the body portion 121. Preferably, the gauzepad 122 is oriented so that each of the sides of the gauze pad 122 isparallel to a hypotenuse of an isosceles right triangle formed with twoadjacent edges 123 of the body portion 121.

In regard to the “diamond gauze” bandages disclosed herein, length andwidth tangents of a body portion may be defined by the edges of the bodyportion such as the edges 123 of the body portion 121. Thus, where abody portion as illustrated herein is square or rectangular, the lengthand width tangents are not explicitly defined as they are the edges ofthe body portion itself. Similarly, in exemplary embodiments of “diamondgauze” bandages where the body portion has a different shape but one ofthe length or width tangents is completely or almost completelycontiguous with the body portion, the tangent line is not explicitlydefined, such as for the “diamond gauze” bandage 120. Otherwise, thelength and width tangents are a set of explicitly defined tangents thatare tangential to the body portion edges and form a square orrectangular shape. For purposes of the discussion herein, length isdefined along the horizontal axis and width is defined along thevertical axis, as shown in FIG. 25(1). Each of the primary corners ofthe gauze pad 122 is oriented towards a different length or widthtangent of the body portion 121. Similarly, for other embodiments of a“diamond gauze” bandage, each of the primary corners is oriented towardsa different length or width tangent of the body portion.

The gauze pad 122 may have the same center point as the body portion121, and/or each of the primary corners of the gauze pad 122 may beoriented toward a mid-point or midsection of one of the edges 123, whichin this case are essentially equivalent to the length or width tangentsof the body portion 121. The midsection of a length or width tangent isa portion of the length or width tangent preferably equal to half of thelength or width tangent and centered on the midpoint of the length orwidth tangent. More preferably, the midsection may be a third, aquarter, or an eighth, or another fraction of the length or widthtangent that is less than half of the length or width tangent.

FIG. 25(m) illustrates an exemplary preferred range of gauze padorientation for a “diamond gauze” bandage according to the presentinvention. Preferably, all primary corners of a gauze pad in a “diamondgauze” bandage should be oriented towards the midpoints of the lengthand width tangents. Of course, this is not always practical, given thevaried shapes, functions, and other limiting factors of the specificbandage configurations. Line 254 represents an exemplary length or widthtangent that is divided into equal sub-lengths defined by tick-marks,and a preferable orientation range 257 is indicated by the thickerportion of the line 254. A gauze pad 255 with four primary cornersindicated by circles with orientations indicated by their associatedarrows is positioned so that one of the primary corners is orientedtowards an upper limit of the preferable orientation range 257, while agauze pad 255′ is oriented so that one of the primary corners isoriented towards a lower limit of the preferable orientation range 257.The preferable orientation range 257 may represent the midsection of theline 254, as discussed above. Alternatively, the preferable range ofgauze pad orientation may be defined by a minimal angle formed by theintersection of a length or width tangent and a ray that extends in thedirection that a primary corner is oriented, where the angle is on theside of the ray that is proximate to the point where the ray would forma right angle with the length or width tangent. In FIG. 25(m), angles258, 258′ are formed by the intersection of the line 254 and rays 256,256′ that extend in the direction that the primary corner of gauze pads255, 255′ are oriented. In this instance, the orientation range 257 ofthe line 254 is defined by a minimal value for the angles 258, 258′. Theorientation range 257 in this instance is not necessarily centered onthe midpoint of the line 254. The angles 258, 258′ preferably have arange from a minimal value of 55° to a maximal value of 90° at the rightangled intersection of the line 254 and the rays 256, 256′. Morepreferably, the angles 258, 258′ have a minimal value of 65°, 75°, or85°.

The size of the gauze pad 122 is such that the primary corners of thegauze pad 122 do not reach the edges 123 of the body portion 121.Alternatively, the gauze pad 122 may be sized shaped and/or positionedin such manner that one or more of the primary corners of the gauze padreach the edges 123 of the body portion 121. The gauze pad 122 may besized and positioned so as to substantially define four equal quadrantson the wound facing side of the body portion 121, i.e. each side of thegauze pad 132 defines the majority of one edge of one of the quadrants,the quadrants being areas of the wound facing side of the body portion121 that are not covered by the gauze pad 122. The bottom wound-facingside of the body portion 121 may have adhesive as those used forbandages in the art, or alternatively, the body portion may include selfadherent material, such as the nonwoven laminate used in 3M™ Coban™Self-Adherent Wrap. The adhesive may be applied to all or part of thebottom wound-facing side of the body portion 121. The gauze pad 122 mayor may not be affixed to the body portion 121 via the same adhesive asthat which is used to affix the “diamond gauze” bandage 120 to apatient.

FIGS. 13(a)-13(f) are, respectively, a bottom wound-facing view, a topnon-wound facing view, two side views and two perspective views of anexemplary embodiment of a “diamond gauze” bandage 130 according to thepresent invention. In contrast to “diamond gauze” bandage 120, the sizeof gauze pad 132 in the “diamond gauze” bandage 130 is such that theprimary corners of the gauze pad 132 reach edges 133 of a body portion131 of the “diamond gauze” bandage 130. The gauze pad 132 may be sizedand positioned so as to define four equal quadrants on the wound facingside of the body portion 131. In an alternative exemplary embodiment,the gauze pad 132 may be sized and positioned so as to substantiallydefine four equal quadrants on the wound facing side of the body portion131. In all other respects, the configuration of the “diamond gauze”bandage 130 is comparable to the configuration of the “diamond gauze”bandage 120. Thus, the discussion above by “diamond gauze” bandage 120regarding issues such as gauze pad shape, positioning and orientation aswell as body portion materials, adhesive type and placement areapplicable to the “diamond gauze” bandage 130 as well to other “diamondgauze” bandages, including the exemplary embodiments of a “diamondgauze” bandage discussed below.

FIGS. 14(a) through 14(e) are, respectively, a bottom wound-facing view,a top non-wound facing view, two side views and one perspective view ofan exemplary embodiment of a “diamond gauze” bandage 140 according tothe present invention. In the “diamond gauze” bandage 140, a bodyportion 141 has a rectangular shape, preferably with rounded corners. Agauze pad 142 is configured in a square shape and is oriented withrespect to the body portion 141 such that the sides of the gauze pad 142are not parallel to the edges of the body portion 141. The gauze pad 142may be sized so that two opposing primary corners may touch two opposingedges of the body portion 141 while the remaining primary corners of thegauze pad 142 do not touch the remaining edges of the body portion 141.Moreover, for any “diamond gauze” bandages, according to the presentinvention, the gauze pads may be sized so that two opposing primarycorners may touch two opposing edges of the body portions. The gauze pad142 may have the same center point as the body portion 141 and/or eachof the primary corners of the gauze pad 142 may be oriented toward amid-point of one of the edges of body portion 141.

FIGS. 18(a) through 18(e) are, respectively, a bottom wound-facing view,a top non-wound facing view, two side views and one perspective view ofan exemplary embodiment of a “diamond gauze” bandage 180 according tothe present invention. In the “diamond gauze” bandage 180, a bodyportion 181 has a rectangular shape, preferably with rounded corners. Agauze pad 182 is configured in the shape of a diamond, with two opposingprimary corners of the gauze pad 182 touching two opposing length edgesof the body portion 181. In all other respects, the configuration of the“diamond gauze” bandage 180 is comparable to the configuration of the“diamond gauze” bandage 140.

FIGS. 50(a) through 50(e) are, respectively, a bottom wound-facing view,a top non-wound facing view, two side views and one perspective view ofan exemplary embodiment of a “diamond gauze” bandage 500 according tothe present invention. In the “diamond gauze” bandage 500, a bodyportion 501 has a rectangular shape, preferably with rounded corners. Agauze pad 502 is configured in the shape of a diamond, with all fourprimary corners of the gauze pad 502 touching all four edges of the bodyportion 501. In all other respects, the configuration of the “diamondgauze” bandage 500 is comparable to the configuration of the “diamondgauze” bandage 180. Moreover, for any of the “diamond gauze” bandages,according to the present invention, the gauze pad may be sized andpositioned so that some or all of the gauze pad corners extend to theedges of the body portion.

FIGS. 15(a)-15(e) are, respectively, a bottom wound-facing view, a topnon-wound facing view, two side views and one perspective view ofanother exemplary embodiment of a “diamond gauze” bandage 150 accordingto the present invention. The body portion 151 of the “diamond gauze”bandage 150 is an “almond” shape which among other bandaging uses may beparticularly useful for bandaging a finger tip or similar appendage. Thegauze pad 152 is oriented with respect to the body portion 151 of the“diamond gauze” bandage 150 such that the sides of the gauze pad 152 arenot parallel to length tangents 159A, 159C and width tangents 159B, 159Dof the body portion 151. The gauze pad 152 may have the same centerpoint as the body portion 151 and/or each of the corners of the gauzepad 152 may be oriented toward a mid-point of one of the length tangents159A, 159C or width tangents 159B, 159D.

FIGS. 16(a)-16(e) are, respectively, a bottom wound-facing view, a topnon-wound facing view, two side views and one perspective view ofanother exemplary embodiment of a “diamond gauze” bandage 160 accordingto the present invention. The body portion 161 of the “diamond gauze”bandage 160 is an oval shape which among other bandaging uses may beparticularly useful for bandaging a finger tip or similar appendage. Thegauze pad 162 is oriented with respect to the body portion 161 such thatthe sides of the gauze pad 162 are not parallel to length tangents 169A,169C and width tangents 169B, 169D of the body portion 161. The gauzepad 162 may have the same center point as the body portion 161 and/oreach of the corners of the gauze pad 162 may be oriented toward amid-point of one of the length tangents 169A. 169C or width tangents169B, 169D.

FIGS. 17(a)-17(e) are, respectively, a bottom wound-facing view, a topnon-wound facing view, two side views and one perspective view ofanother exemplary embodiment of a “diamond gauze” bandage 170 accordingto the present invention. The body portion 171 of the “diamond gauze”bandage 170 is a “bowtie” or “hourglass” shape which among otherbandaging uses may be particularly useful for bandaging a finger tip orsimilar appendage. The gauze pad 172 is oriented with respect to thebody portion 171 of the “diamond gauze” bandage 170 such that the sidesof the gauze pad 172 are not parallel to the length tangents 179A, 179Band edges 179C and 179D of the body portion 171, the edges 179C and 179Dbeing essentially equivalent to width tangents in this exemplaryembodiment. The gauze pad 172 may have the same center point as the bodyportion 171, and/or each of the corners of the gauze pad 172 may beoriented toward a mid-point of one of the tangents 179A and 179B andedges 179C and 179D of the body portion 171 of the “diamond gauze”bandage 170.

FIGS. 19(a)-19(g) are, respectively, a bottom wound-facing view, a topnon-wound facing view, four side views and one perspective view ofanother exemplary embodiment of a “diamond gauze” bandage 190 accordingto the present invention. The body portion 191 of the “diamond gauze”bandage 190 has a “knuckle” shape which among other bandaging uses maybe particularly useful for bandaging a knuckle as well as a finger tip,or similar appendage. The body portion 191 has a head portion 193 and atail portion 194. The head portion 193 may be a truncated oval, diamond,almond or similar shape that is possibly asymmetrically shortened on afirst side of the head portion 193 where the head portion 193 connectsto the tail portion 194. The tail portion 194 flares out with a widththat increases as the tail extends lengthwise from the first side of thehead portion 193 forming concavities with the head portion 193 along atop edge 195 and bottom edge 196 of the body portion 191 that arepreferably smooth curves. The gauze pad 192 is substantially positionedin the head portion 193, and is oriented with respect to the bodyportion 191 such that the sides of the gauze pad 192 are not parallel tothe length tangents 199A, 199C or width tangents 199B, 199D of the bodyportion 191.

FIGS. 24(a)-24(f) are, respectively, a bottom wound-facing view, a topnon-wound facing view, one perspective view, and three side views ofanother exemplary embodiment of a “diamond gauze” bandage. The bodyportion 241 of the “diamond gauze” bandage 240 has a “knuckle” shapesimilar to that of “diamond gauze” bandage 190. The gauze pad 242 isoriented with respect to the “knuckle” shaped body portion 241 such thatthe sides of the gauze pad 242 are parallel to length tangents 249A,249C and width tangents 249B, 249D. In all other respects, the “diamondgauze” bandage 240 may be configured in the same manner as “diamondgauze” bandage 190.

FIGS. 26(a)-26(f) are, respectively, a bottom wound-facing view, a topnon-wound facing view, three side views and one perspective view ofanother exemplary embodiment of a “diamond gauze” bandage. The bodyportion 261 of the “diamond gauze” bandage 260 has a “knuckle” shapesimilar to that of “diamond gauze” bandage 190. The gauze pad 262 ispositioned so that the center of the gauze pad 262 corresponds to aposition along concavities formed by a head portion 263 and a tailportion 264. In all other respects, the “diamond gauze” bandage 260 maybe configured in the same manner as “diamond gauze” bandage 190.

FIGS. 20(a)-20(g) are, respectively, a bottom wound-facing view, a topnon-wound facing view, four side views and one perspective view ofanother exemplary embodiment of a “diamond gauze” bandage 200 accordingto the present invention. The body portion 201 of the “diamond gauze”bandage 200 has a shape which among other bandaging uses may beparticularly useful as a finger wrap. The body portion 201 of the“diamond gauze” bandage 200 may be comprised of self-adherent material,as discussed above by “diamond gauze” bandage 120, so that when it iswrapped around a finger or other appendage, a wound facing side of thebandage that is distal to the gauze pad adheres to the non-wound facingside of the body portion 201 so as to secure the wrap in place.Similarly, all the other “diamond gauze” bandages, particularly whenused to wrap around an appendage, may be made with such self-adherentmaterial. The gauze pad 202 is oriented with respect to the body portion201 such that the sides of the gauze pad 202 are not parallel to lengthtangents 209A, 209C and width tangents 209B, 209D. The gauze pad 202 ispreferably positioned proximate to the width tangent 209B.Alternatively, the “diamond gauze” bandage 200 may be used with thegauze pad 202 not oriented as a diamond shape, but rather in thestandard rectangular or square orientation that parallels the length ofthe bandage, particularly when the “diamond gauze” bandage 200 isconfigured with self-adherent material or other material for the purposeof resealing the bandage.

FIGS. 21(a)-21(e) are, respectively, a bottom wound-facing view, a topnon-wound facing view, two side views and one perspective view ofanother exemplary embodiment of a “diamond gauze” bandage 210 accordingto the present invention. The body portion 211 of the “diamond gauze”bandage 210 is an elongated octagonal shape. The gauze pad 212 isoriented with respect to the body portion 211 such that the sides of thegauze pad 212 are not parallel to length tangents 219A, 219C and widthtangents 219B, 219D. The gauze pad 212 may have the same center point asthe body portion 211 and/or each of the corners of the gauze pad 212 maybe oriented toward a mid-point of one of the length tangents 219A, 219Cor width tangents 219B, 219D. Alternatively, the body portion 211 may bean octagonal shape with eight equal sides.

FIGS. 27(a)-27(e) are, respectively, a bottom wound-facing view, a topnon-wound facing view, two side views and one perspective view ofanother exemplary embodiment of a “diamond gauze” bandage 270 accordingto the present invention. A body portion 271 of the “diamond gauze”bandage 270 has a central almond or oval shaped portion 273 similar tothe configuration of the bandages in FIG. 15 or 16 and bulbous sideportions 274, 275. The gauze pad 272 is oriented with respect to thebody portion 271 such that the sides of the gauze pad 272 are notparallel to length tangents 279A, 279C, and width tangents 279B, 279D.The gauze pad 272 may have the same center point as the body portion 271and/or each of the corners of the gauze pad 272 may be oriented toward amid-point of one of the length tangents 279A, 279C or width tangents279B, 279D. Midpoints of the central portion 273 are preferablypositioned to correspond with the midpoints of the length tangents 279A,279C.

FIGS. 28(a)-28(e) are, respectively, a bottom wound-facing view, a topnon-wound facing view, two side views and one perspective view ofanother exemplary embodiment of a “diamond gauze” bandage 280 accordingto the present invention. A body portion 281 of the “diamond gauze”bandage 280 has a central narrow portion 283 and side regions 284 and285 that initially widen, moving along the length from the centralnarrow portion 283, and then narrowing again in straight orsubstantially straight lines to rounded ends, where the portions of theside regions 284 and 285 that widen are connected to the portions of theside regions 284 and 285 that narrow by rounded angles. The body portion281 has a “bowtie” or “hourglass” shape. The gauze pad 282 is orientedwith respect to the body portion 281 such that the sides of the gauzepad 282 are not parallel to the length tangents 289A, 289C and widthtangents 289B, 289D. The gauze pad 282 may have the same center point asthe body portion 281 and/or each of the corners of the gauze pad 282 maybe oriented toward a mid-point of one of the length tangents 289A, 289Cor width tangents 289B, 289D. The central narrow portion 283 ispreferably positioned to correspond with the midpoints of the lengthtangents 289A, 289C.

FIGS. 29(a)-29(f) are, respectively, a bottom wound-facing view, a topnon-wound facing view, three side views and one perspective view ofanother exemplary embodiment of a “diamond gauze” bandage 290 accordingto the present invention. A body portion 291 of the “diamond gauze”bandage 290 has a central portion 293 that lengthwise terminates on afirst side with a rounded end, and on a second side has legs 294, 295that extend from the body portion 291 substantially in the lengthwisedirection, the legs 294, 295 terminating with rounded ends distal to thecentral portion 293. The body portion 291 forms an “arch” shape definedby two parallel arcs or parabolas that are connected at each of theirrespective proximate ends distal to the central portion 293 by a thirdand fourth curve forming convexities on the terminating ends of the legs294, 295. Alternatively, the body portion 291 may be formed withstraight or wavy sides rather than the parabolas and may include squaredoff ends rather than the convexities on the ends of the legs 294, 295and the central portion 293. The legs 294, 295 are spaced apart fromeach other at the central portion 293 and preferably extend out atdiverging angles from the central portion 293. The diverging anglesshould preferably allow the legs 294, 295 to extend around a limb towhich the “diamond gauze” bandage 290 is being applied and to have thebottom wound-facing side of the legs 294, 295 slightly overlap on top ofthe top non-wound facing side of the central portion 295. Thus, the bodyportion 291 has a shape which among other bandaging uses may beparticularly useful as a finger wrap. The gauze pad 292 is oriented withrespect to the body portion 291 such that the sides of the gauze pad 292are not parallel to length tangents 299A, 299C and width tangents 299B,299D. The gauze pad 292 may have the same center point as the centralbody portion 293 and/or corners of the gauze pad 292 may be orientedtoward a mid-point of one of the width tangents 299B, 299D.

FIGS. 30(a)-30(e) are, respectively, a bottom wound-facing view, a topnon-wound facing view, two side views and one perspective view ofanother exemplary embodiment of a “diamond gauze” bandage 300 accordingto the present invention. A body portion 301 of the “diamond gauze”bandage 300 has a central portion 303 that has flattened top and bottomedges 306A, 306B, resulting in a uniform or substantially uniform widthfor the central portion 303. The body portion 301 of the “diamond gauze”bandage 300 also has side regions 304 and 305 that, moving along thelength from the central portion 303, narrow in straight or substantiallystraight lines to rounded ends, where the central portion 303transitions to the side regions 304 and 305 by rounded angles. The gauzepad 302 is oriented with respect to the body portion 301 such that thesides of the gauze pad 302 are not parallel to length tangents 309A,309C and width tangents 309B, 309D. The gauze pad 302 may have the samecenter point as the body portion 301 and/or each of the corners of thegauze pad 302 may be oriented toward a mid-point of one of the lengthtangents 309A, 309C or width tangents 309B, 309D. Midpoints of thecentral portion 303 are preferably positioned to correspond with themidpoints of the length tangents 309A, 309C.

FIGS. 31(a)-31(e) are, respectively, a bottom wound-facing view, a topnon-wound facing view, two side views and one perspective view ofanother exemplary embodiment of a “diamond gauze” bandage 310 accordingto the present invention. A body portion 311 of the “diamond gauze”bandage 310 has a central narrow portion 313 and side regions 314 and315 that initially widen, moving along the length from the centralnarrow portion 313, and then narrowing again in straight orsubstantially lines to rounded ends. The “diamond gauze” bandage 310 hasa body portion that has a “bowtie” or “hourglass” shape. The gauze pad312 is oriented with respect to the body portion 311 such that the sidesof the gauze pad 312 are not parallel to length tangents 319A, 319C andwidth tangents 319B, 319D. The gauze pad 312 may have the same centerpoint as the body portion 311 and/or each of the corners of the gauzepad 312 may be oriented toward a mid-point of one of the length tangents319A, 319C or width tangents 319B, 319D. The central narrow portion 313is preferably positioned to correspond with the midpoints of the lengthtangents 319A. 319C.

FIGS. 32(a)-32(e) are, respectively, a bottom wound-facing view, a topnon-wound facing view, two side views and one perspective view ofanother exemplary embodiment of a “diamond gauze” bandage 320 accordingto the present invention. A body portion 321 of the “diamond gauze”bandage 320 has a central narrow portion 323 and side regions 324 and325 that initially widen, moving along the length from the centralnarrow portion 323, and then narrowing again in straight orsubstantially lines to rounded ends. The “diamond gauze” bandage 320 hasa body portion that has a “bowtie” or “hourglass” shape. The gauze pad322 is oriented with respect to the body portion 321 such that the sidesof the gauze pad 322 are not parallel to length tangents 329A, 329C andwidth tangents 329B, 329D. The gauze pad 322 may have the same centerpoint as the body portion 321 and/or each of the corners of the gauzepad 322 may be oriented toward a mid-point of one of the length tangents329A, 329C or width tangents 329B, 329D. The central narrow portion 323is preferably positioned to correspond with the midpoints of the lengthtangents 329A, 329C.

FIGS. 33(a)-33(e) are, respectively, a bottom wound-facing view, a topnon-wound facing view, two side views and one perspective view ofanother exemplary embodiment of a “diamond gauze” bandage 330 accordingto the present invention. A body portion 331 of the “diamond gauze”bandage 330 has a central narrow portion 333 and side regions 334 and335 that widen in straight or substantially straight lines to roundedends. The “diamond gauze” bandage 330 has a body portion that has a“bowtie” or “hourglass” shape. The gauze pad 332 is oriented withrespect to the body portion 331 such that the sides of the gauze pad 332are not parallel to length tangents 339A. 339C and width tangents 339B,339D. The gauze pad 332 may have the same center point as the bodyportion 331 and/or each of the corners of the gauze pad 332 may beoriented toward a mid-point of one of the length tangents 339A, 339C orwidth tangents 339B, 339D. The central narrow portion 333 is preferablypositioned to correspond with the midpoints of the length tangents 339A,339C.

FIGS. 34(a)-34(e) are, respectively, a bottom wound-facing view, a topnon-wound facing view, two side views and one perspective view ofanother exemplary embodiment of a “diamond gauze” bandage 340 accordingto the present invention. A body portion 341 of the “diamond gauze”bandage 340 has a central narrow portion 343 and side regions 344 and345 that widen in straight or substantially straight lines to roundedends. The “diamond gauze” bandage 340 has a body portion that has a“bowtie” or “hourglass” shape. The gauze pad 342 is oriented withrespect to the body portion 341 such that the sides of the gauze pad 342are not parallel to length tangents 349A. 349C and width tangents 349B,349D. The gauze pad 342 may have the same center point as the bodyportion 341 and/or each of the corners of the gauze pad 342 may beoriented toward a mid-point of one of the length tangents 349A, 349C orwidth tangents 349B, 349D. The central narrow portion 343 is preferablypositioned to correspond with the midpoints of the length tangents 349A,349C.

FIGS. 35(a)-35(e) are, respectively, a bottom wound-facing view, a topnon-wound facing view, two side views and one perspective view ofanother exemplary embodiment of a “diamond gauze” bandage 350 accordingto the present invention. A body portion 351 of the “diamond gauze”bandage 350 has a central narrow portion 353 and side regions 354 and355 that are formed by circular or elliptical arcs. The “diamond gauze”bandage 350 has a body portion that has a “bowtie” or “hourglass” shape.The gauze pad 352 is oriented with respect to the body portion 351 suchthat the sides of the gauze pad 352 are not parallel to length tangents359A, 359C and width tangents 359B, 359D. The gauze pad 352 may have thesame center point as the body portion 351 and/or each of the corners ofthe gauze pad 352 may be oriented toward a mid-point of one of thelength tangents 359A, 359C or width tangents 359B, 359D. The centralnarrow portion 353 is preferably positioned to correspond with themidpoints of the length tangents 359A, 359C.

FIGS. 36(a)-36(e) are, respectively, a bottom wound-facing view, a topnon-wound facing view, two side views and one perspective view ofanother exemplary embodiment of a “diamond gauze” bandage 360 accordingto the present invention. A body portion 361 of the “diamond gauze”bandage 360 has a central narrow portion 363 and side regions 364 and365 that are formed by circular or elliptical arcs. The “diamond gauze”bandage 360 has a body portion that has a “bowtie” or “hourglass” shape.The gauze pad 362 is oriented with respect to the body portion 361 suchthat the sides of the gauze pad 362 are not parallel to length tangents369A, 369C and width tangents 369B, 369D. The gauze pad 362 may have thesame center point as the body portion 361 and/or each of the corners ofthe gauze pad 362 may be oriented toward a mid-point of one of thelength tangents 369A, 369C or width tangents 369B, 369D. The centralnarrow portion 363 is preferably positioned to correspond with themidpoints of the length tangents 369A, 369C.

FIGS. 37(a)-37(e) are, respectively, a bottom wound-facing view, a topnon-wound facing view, two side views and one perspective view ofanother exemplary embodiment of a “diamond gauze” bandage 370 accordingto the present invention. A body portion 371 of the “diamond gauze”bandage 370 has a central narrow portion 373 and side regions 374 and375 that widen in straight or substantially straight lines to straightor substantially straight ends, connected by rounded corners. The“diamond gauze” bandage 370 has a body portion that has a “bowtie” or“hourglass” shape with flattened ends. The gauze pad 372 is orientedwith respect to the body portion 371 such that the sides of the gauzepad 372 are not parallel to length tangents 379A, 379C and widthtangents 379B, 379D. The gauze pad 372 may have the same center point asthe body portion 371 and/or each of the corners of the gauze pad 372 maybe oriented toward a mid-point of one of the length tangents 379A, 379Cor width tangents 379B, 379D. The central narrow portion 373 ispreferably positioned to correspond with the midpoints of the lengthtangents 379A, 379C.

FIGS. 38(a)-38(e) are, respectively, a bottom wound-facing view, a topnon-wound facing view, two side views and one perspective view ofanother exemplary embodiment of a “diamond gauze” bandage 380 accordingto the present invention. A body portion 381 of the “diamond gauze”bandage 380 has a central narrow portion 383 and side regions 384 and385 that widen in straight or substantially straight lines to straightor substantially straight ends, connected by rounded corners. The“diamond gauze” bandage 380 has a body portion that has a “bowtie” or“hourglass” shape with flattened ends. The gauze pad 382 is orientedwith respect to the body portion 381 such that the sides of the gauzepad 382 are not parallel to length tangents 389A, 389C and widthtangents 389B, 389D. The gauze pad 382 may have the same center point asthe body portion 381 and/or each of the corners of the gauze pad 382 maybe oriented toward a mid-point of one of the length tangents 389A, 389Cor width tangents 389B, 389D. The central narrow portion 383 ispreferably positioned to correspond with the midpoints of the lengthtangents 389A, 389C.

FIGS. 39(a)-39(e) are, respectively, a bottom wound-facing view, a topnon-wound facing view, two side views and one perspective view ofanother exemplary embodiment of a “diamond gauze” bandage 390 accordingto the present invention. A body portion 391 of the “diamond gauze”bandage 390 has a central narrow portion 393 and side regions 394 and395 that widen in curved lines to straight or substantially straightends, connected by rounded corners. The “diamond gauze” bandage 390 hasa body portion that has a “bowtie” or “hourglass” shape with flattenedends. The gauze pad 392 is oriented with respect to the body portion 391such that the sides of the gauze pad 392 are not parallel to lengthtangents 399A, 399C and width tangents 399B, 399D. The gauze pad 392 mayhave the same center point as the body portion 391 and/or each of thecorners of the gauze pad 392 may be oriented toward a mid-point of oneof the length tangents 399A, 399C or width tangents 399B, 399D. Thecentral narrow portion 393 is preferably positioned to correspond withthe midpoints of the length tangents 399A, 399C.

FIGS. 40(a)-40(e) are, respectively, a bottom wound-facing view, a topnon-wound facing view, two side views and one perspective view ofanother exemplary embodiment of a “diamond gauze” bandage 400 accordingto the present invention. A body portion 401 of the “diamond gauze”bandage 400 has a central narrow portion 403 and side regions 404 and405 that widen in curved lines to straight or substantially straightends, connected by rounded corners. The “diamond gauze” bandage 400 hasa body portion that has a “bowtie” or “hourglass” shape with flattenedends. The gauze pad 402 is oriented with respect to the body portion 401such that the sides of the gauze pad 402 are not parallel to lengthtangents 409A, 409C and width tangents 409B, 409D. The gauze pad 402 mayhave the same center point as the body portion 401 and/or each of thecorners of the gauze pad 402 may be oriented toward a mid-point of oneof the length tangents 409A, 409C or width tangents 409B, 409D. Thecentral narrow portion 403 is preferably positioned to correspond withthe midpoints of the length tangents 409A, 409C.

FIGS. 41(a)-41(f) are, respectively, a bottom wound-facing view, anexploded bottom wound-facing view, a top non-wound facing view, two sideviews and one perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a“diamond gauze” bandage 410 according to the present invention. A bodyportion 411 of the “diamond gauze” bandage 410 has a central narrowportion 413 and side regions 414A, 414B that widen with straight orsubstantially straight side lines 415A, 415B, 415E, 415F as the sideregions extend to rounded corners 416A, 416B, 416C, 416D. The roundedcorners 416A, 416B, 416C, 416D transition to straight or substantiallystraight end lines 415C, 415D, 415G, 415H that are oriented so as totaper or decrease the length of the body portion 411 as thesubstantially straight end lines 415C, 415D, 415G, 415H extend towardinflection points 417A, 417B. The inflection points 417A, 417B arepreferably at midpoints between corresponding rounded corners 416A,416B, 416C, 416D. The side lines 415A, 415B, 415E, 415F are preferablyequal in length, and longer than the end lines 415H, 415C, 415D, 415G,respectively, which are also preferably equal in length. The “diamondgauze” bandage 410 has a body portion that has a “bowtie” or “hourglass”shape. The gauze pad 412 is oriented with respect to the body portion411 such that the sides of the gauze pad 412 are not parallel to lengthtangents 419A, 419C and width tangents 419B, 419D. The gauze pad 412 mayhave the same center point as the body portion 411 and/or each of thecorners of the gauze pad 412 may be oriented toward a mid-point of oneof the length tangents 419A, 419C or width tangents 419B, 419D. Thecentral narrow portion 413 is preferably positioned to correspond withthe midpoints of the length tangents 419A, 419C.

FIGS. 42(a)-42(e) are, respectively, a bottom wound-facing view, a topnon-wound facing view, two side views and one perspective view ofanother exemplary embodiment of a “diamond gauze” bandage 420 accordingto the present invention. A body portion 421 of the “diamond gauze”bandage 420 has a central narrow portion 423 and side regions 424 and425 that initially widen, moving along the length from the centralnarrow portion 423, and then narrowing again in straight orsubstantially straight lines to rounded ends, where the portions of theside regions 424 and 425 that widen are connected to the portions of theside regions 424 and 425 that narrow by rounded angles. The body portion421 has a “bowtie” or “hourglass” shape. The gauze pad 422 is orientedwith respect to the body portion 421 such that the sides of the gauzepad 422 are not parallel to length tangents 429A, 429C and widthtangents 429B, 429D. The gauze pad 422 may have the same center point asthe body portion 421 and/or each of the corners of the gauze pad 422 maybe oriented toward a mid-point of one of the length tangents 429A, 429Cor width tangents 429B, 429D. The central narrow portion 423 ispreferably positioned to correspond with the midpoints of the lengthtangents 429A, 429C.

FIGS. 43(a)-43(e) are, respectively, a bottom wound-facing view, a topnon-wound facing view, two side views and one perspective view ofanother exemplary embodiment of a “diamond gauze” bandage 430 accordingto the present invention. A body portion 431 of the “diamond gauze”bandage 430 has a central narrow portion 433 and side regions 434 and435 that initially widen, moving along the length from the centralnarrow portion 433, and then narrowing again in straight orsubstantially straight lines to rounded ends, where the portions of theside regions 434 and 435 that widen are connected to the portions of theside regions 434 and 435 that narrow by rounded angles. The body portion431 has a “bowtie” or “hourglass” shape. The gauze pad 432 is orientedwith respect to the body portion 431 such that the sides of the gauzepad 432 are not parallel to length tangents 439A, 439C and widthtangents 439B, 439D. The gauze pad 432 may have the same center point asthe body portion 431 and/or each of the corners of the gauze pad 432 maybe oriented toward a mid-point of one of the length tangents 439A, 439Cor width tangents 439B, 439D. The central narrow portion 433 ispreferably positioned to correspond with the midpoints of the lengthtangents 439A, 439C.

FIGS. 44(a)-44(e) are, respectively, a bottom wound-facing view, a topnon-wound facing view, two side views and one perspective view ofanother exemplary embodiment of a “diamond gauze” bandage 440 accordingto the present invention. A body portion 441 of the “diamond gauze”bandage 440 has a central narrow portion 443 and side regions 444 and445 that initially widen, moving along the length from the centralnarrow portion 443, and then narrowing again in straight orsubstantially straight lines to straight or substantially straight endsconnected by first rounded angles, where the portions of the sideregions 444 and 445 that widen are connected to the portions of the sideregions 444 and 445 that narrow by second rounded angles. The bodyportion 441 has a “bowtie” or “hourglass” shape with flattened ends. Thegauze pad 442 is oriented with respect to the body portion 441 such thatthe sides of the gauze pad 442 are not parallel to length tangents 449A,449C and width tangents 449B, 449D. The gauze pad 442 may have the samecenter point as the body portion 441 and/or each of the corners of thegauze pad 442 may be oriented toward a mid-point of one of the lengthtangents 449A, 449C or width tangents 449B, 449D. The central narrowportion 443 is preferably positioned to correspond with the midpoints ofthe length tangents 449A, 449C.

FIGS. 45(a) through 45(e) are, respectively, a bottom wound-facing view,a top non-wound facing view, two side views and one perspective view ofan exemplary embodiment of a “diamond gauze” bandage 450 according tothe present invention. The “diamond gauze” bandage 450 has a bodyportion 451 with a central portion 453 that has flattened top and bottomedges 456A, 456B, resulting in a uniform or substantially uniform widthfor the central portion 453. Oval shaped side regions 455A and 455Bconnect to the central portion 453 via narrow portions 454A and 454B.The narrow portions 454A and 454B preferably narrow in straight orsubstantially straight lines from a wider end connected to the centralportion 453 and a narrower end connected to the oval shaped side regions455A and 455B. A gauze pad 452 is oriented with respect to the bodyportion 451 such that the sides of the gauze pad 452 are not parallel tolength tangents 459A, 459C and width tangents 459B, 459D. The gauze pad452 may have the same center point as the body portion 451 and/or eachof the corners of the gauze pad 452 may be oriented toward a mid-pointof one of the length tangents 459A, 459C or width tangents 459B, 459D.The central portion 453 is preferably positioned to correspond with themidpoints of the length tangents 459A, 459C.

FIGS. 46(a)-46(d) are, respectively, a bottom wound-facing view, a topnon-wound facing view, one side view and one perspective view of anotherexemplary embodiment of a “diamond gauze” bandage 460 according to thepresent invention. A body portion 461 of the “diamond gauze” bandage 460has a central narrow portion 463 and side regions 464A, 464B. Sideregion 464A has edges defined by two circular or elliptical arcs 465A,465A′ that extend from opposing sides of the central narrow portion 463and meet at an inflection point 466A. Side region 464B has edges definedby two circular or elliptical arcs 465B, 465B′ that extend from opposingsides of the narrow portion 463 and meet at an inflection point 466B.The gauze pad 462 is oriented with respect to the body portion 461 suchthat the sides of the gauze pad 462 are not parallel to length tangents469A, 469C and width tangents 469B, 469D. The gauze pad 462 may have thesame center point as the body portion 461 and/or each of the corners ofthe gauze pad 462 may be oriented toward a mid-point of one of thelength tangents 469A, 469C or width tangents 469B, 469D. The inflectionpoints 466A, 466B preferably correspond to midpoints of the widthtangents 469D, 469B, respectively. The circular or elliptical arcs 465A,465A′, 465B, 465B′, are preferably equivalently or similarly sized, andare preferably oriented at a 90 degree angle in relation to adjacentarcs. The central narrow portion 463 is preferably positioned tocorrespond with the midpoints of the length tangents 469A, 469C.

FIGS. 47(a) through 47(e) are, respectively, a bottom wound-facing view,a top non-wound facing view, two side views and one perspective view ofan exemplary embodiment of a “diamond gauze” bandage 470 according tothe present invention. The “diamond gauze” bandage 470 has a bodyportion 471 with a central portion 473 that has top and bottom edges476A, 476B and oval or bulbous shaped side regions 475A, 475B. The“diamond gauze” bandage 470 has a width that is defined by the distancebetween the top edge 476A and the bottom edge 476B. The top and bottomedges 476A, 476B may be substantially straight, resulting in a uniformor substantially uniform width for the central portion 473.Alternatively, the top and bottom edges 476A, 476B may be concave edges,resulting in a widening width from the middle of the central portion 473to the oval shaped side regions 475A, 475B. The oval shaped side regions475A, 475B have a width that is wider than the widest width of thecentral portion 473. A gauze pad 472 is oriented with respect to thebody portion 471 such that the sides of the gauze pad 472 are notparallel to length tangents 479A, 479C and width tangents 479B, 479D.The gauze pad 472 may have the same center point as the body portion 471and/or each of the corners of the gauze pad 472 may be oriented toward amid-point of one of the length tangents 479A, 479C or width tangents479B, 479D. The central portion 473 is preferably positioned tocorrespond with the midpoints of the length tangents 479A, 479C.

FIGS. 48(a)-48(e) are, respectively, a bottom wound-facing view, a topnon-wound facing view, two side views and one perspective view ofanother exemplary embodiment of a “diamond gauze” bandage 480 accordingto the present invention. A body portion 481 of the “diamond gauze”bandage 480 has a central portion 483 that has flattened top and bottomedges 486A, 486B, resulting in a uniform or substantially uniform widthfor the central portion 483. The body portion 481 also has side regions484 and 485 that, moving along the length from the central portion 483,narrow in straight or substantially lines to rounded ends, where thecentral portion 483 transitions to the side regions 484 and 485 by sharpangles. The gauze pad 482 is oriented with respect to the body portion481 such that the sides of the gauze pad 482 are not parallel to lengthtangents 489A, 489C and width tangents 489B, 489D. The gauze pad 482 mayhave the same center point as the body portion 481 and/or each of thecorners of the gauze pad 482 may be oriented toward a mid-point of oneof the length tangents 489A, 489C or width tangents 489B, 489D.Midpoints of the central portion 483 are preferably positioned tocorrespond with the midpoints of the length tangents 489A, 489C.

FIGS. 49(a)-49(f) are, respectively, a bottom wound-facing view, anexploded bottom wound-facing view, a top non-wound facing view, two sideviews and one perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a“diamond gauze” bandage 490 according to the present invention. A bodyportion 491 of the “diamond gauze” bandage 490 has a central narrowportion 493 and side regions 494A, 494B that widen with straight,substantially straight, or slightly curved side lines 495A, 495B, 495E,495F as the side regions 494A, 494B extend to rounded corners 496A,496B, 496C, 496D. The rounded corners 496A, 496B, 496C, 496D transitionto straight, substantially straight, or slightly curved end lines 495C,495D, 495G, 495H that are oriented so as to taper or decrease a lengthof the body portion 491 as the end lines 495C, 495D, 495G, 495H extendtoward inflection points 497A, 497B. The inflection points 497A, 497Bare preferably at midpoints between corresponding rounded corners 496A,496B, 496C, 496D. The side lines 495A, 495B, 495E, 495F are preferablyequal in length and shape to the end lines 495H, 495C, 495D, 495G,respectively. The gauze pad 492 is oriented with respect to the bodyportion 491 such that the sides of the gauze pad 492 are not parallel tolength tangents 499A, 499C and width tangents 499B, 499D. The gauze pad492 may have the same center point as the body portion 491 and/or eachof the corners of the gauze pad 492 may be oriented toward a mid-pointof one of the length tangents 499A, 499C or width tangents 499B, 499D.The central narrow portion 493 is preferably positioned to correspondwith the midpoints of the length tangents 499A, 499C.

FIGS. 51(a)-51(f) are, respectively, a bottom wound-facing view, a topnon-wound facing view, three side views and one perspective view ofanother exemplary embodiment of a “diamond gauze” bandage 510 accordingto the present invention. A body portion 511 of the “diamond gauze”bandage 510 has a central narrow portion 513 and side regions 514A, 514Bthat have widening portions 515A, 515B, that extend from the centralnarrow portion 513 to narrowing portions 516A, 516B in straight orsubstantially straight lines. The narrowing portions 516A, 516B extendto rounded ends in straight or substantially straight lines. Thewidening portions 515A, 515B are connected to the narrowing portions516A, 516B by rounded angles. The body portion 511 has a “bowtie” or“hourglass” shape with the narrowing portion 516B having a greaterlength than the narrowing portion 516A. The gauze pad 512 is orientedwith respect to the body portion 511 such that the sides of the gauzepad 512 are not parallel to length tangents 519A, 519C and widthtangents 519B, 519D. The corners of the gauze pad 512 oriented towardthe width tangents 519B, 519D may be oriented toward the mid-points ofthe width tangents 519B, 519D. The corners of the gauze pad 512 orientedtoward the length tangents 519A, 519C may be oriented toward a midpointbetween the rounded angles that connect the widening portions 515A, 515Bwith the narrowing portions 516A, 516B. Due to the asymmetrical lengthsof the side regions 514A, 514B, a midpoint of the central narrow portion513 does not correspond to the midpoint of the length tangents 519A,519C.

FIGS. 52(a)-52(f) are, respectively, a bottom wound-facing view, a topnon-wound facing view, three side views and one perspective view ofanother exemplary embodiment of a “diamond gauze” bandage 520 accordingto the present invention. A body portion 521 of the “diamond gauze”bandage 520 is similar to the configuration of the body portion 511 inFIG. 51. The body portion 521 of the “diamond gauze” bandage 520 has acentral narrow portion 523 and side regions 524A, 524B that havewidening regions 525A, 525B, that extend from the central narrow portion523 to narrowing portions 526A, 526B in straight or substantiallystraight lines. The narrowing portions 526A, 526B extend to rounded endsin straight or substantially straight lines. The widening portions 525A,525B are connected to the narrowing portions 526A, 526B by roundedangles. The body portion 521 has a “bowtie” or “hourglass” shape withthe narrowing portion 526B having a greater length than the narrowingportion 526A. The gauze pad 522 is oriented with respect to the bodyportion 521 such that the sides of the gauze pad 522 are not parallel tolength tangents 529A, 529C and width tangents 529B, 529D. The corners ofthe gauze pad 522 oriented toward the width tangents 529B, 529D may beoriented toward the mid-points of the width tangents 529B, 529D. Due tothe asymmetrical lengths of the side regions 524A, 524B, a midpoint ofthe central narrow portion 523 does not correspond to the midpoint ofthe length tangents 529A, 529C. However, the corners of the gauze pad522 oriented toward the length tangents 529A, 529C may be orientedtoward a midpoint between the rounded angles that connect the wideningportions 525A, 525B with the narrowing portions 526A, 526B. In contrastto the shape of the gauze pad 512 for bandage 510, which has equalsides, the gauze pad 522 for bandage 520 has a “kite-shape”. The “kiteshape” may be formed by configuring the sides of the gauze pad 522 thatcorrespond or extend into the side region 524B to be “stretched” to havean increased length corresponding to the increased length in thenarrowing portion 526B relative to the length of narrowing portion 526A.Moreover, a kite-shaped gauze pad and/or an increase in length for asingle side region may be applied to any “diamond gauze” bandage such asthe other exemplary embodiments of a “diamond gauze” bandage describedabove.

According to the present invention, an alternative to the “diamondgauze” configuration of a bandage is a “triangular gauze” bandage, asdiscussed below. The “triangular gauze” configuration provides similaradvantages to the “diamond gauze” particularly superior adherence andconformability to a wound area with a maximal area of gauze. The“triangular gauze” configuration may be especially useful in bandagingsmaller wounds.

FIGS. 22(a)-22(g) are, respectively, a bottom wound-facing view, a topnon-wound facing view, four side views and one perspective view of anexemplary embodiment of a “triangular gauze” bandage 220 according tothe present invention. The “triangular gauze” bandage 220 has a bodyportion 221 in a circular shape, which may be made of any suitablematerial, preferably a stretchable and breathable material, which isknown in the art to be used for bandages. A gauze pad 222 is attached tothe wound-facing side of the body portion 221. The gauze pad 222 is atriangular shape, preferably an equilateral triangular shape, but thegauze pad 222 may alternatively be configured as an isosceles, right orother triangular shape and may have rounded or flattened corners.Moreover, just as in the “diamond gauze” bandages, the corners may berounded and the sides need not be straight but may, for example, beconcave or convex curves or wavy lines. The gauze pad 222 may bepositioned so as to have the same center point as the body portion 221,with each of the corners of the gauze pad 222 extending to the edges ofbody portion 221. Alternatively, the gauze pad 222 may be sized so thatthe corners of the gauze pad 222 do not reach the edges of the bodyportion 221. The gauze pad 222 may be sized and positioned so as tosubstantially define three equal quadrants, on the “non-gauze portion”of the wound facing side of the body portion 221, i.e. on the woundfacing side of the body portion 221 that is not covered by the gauze pad222. The bottom wound-facing side of the body portion 221 of the“triangular gauze” bandage 220 may have adhesive as those used forbandages in the art. The adhesive may be applied to all or part of thebottom wound-facing side of the body portion 221 of the “triangulargauze” bandage 220. The gauze pad 222 may or may not be affixed to thebody portion 221 of the “triangular gauze” bandage 220 via the sameadhesive as that which is used to affix the “triangular gauze” bandage220 to a patient.

FIGS. 23(a)-23(g) are, respectively, a bottom wound-facing view, a topnon-wound facing view, four side views and one perspective view ofanother exemplary embodiment of a “triangular gauze” bandage 230according to the present invention. The “triangular gauze” bandage 230has a body portion 231 in a triangular shape, preferably with roundedcorners, and may be made of any suitable material, preferably astretchable and breathable material, which is known in the art to beused for bandages. The gauze pad 232 is a triangular shape, preferablyan equilateral triangular shape, but the gauze pad 232 may alternativelybe configured as an isosceles, right or other triangular shape and mayhave rounded or flattened corners. The gauze pad 232 may be positionedso as to have the same center point as the body portion 231, with eachof the corners of the gauze pad 232 extending to the edges of bodyportion 231. Alternatively, the gauze pad 232 may be sized so that thecorners of the gauze pad 232 do not reach the edges of the body portion231. The gauze pad 232 may be sized and positioned so as tosubstantially define three equal quadrants on the wound facing side ofthe body portion 231. The bottom wound-facing side of the body portion231 of the “triangular gauze” bandage 230 may have adhesive as thoseused for bandages in the art. The adhesive may be applied to all or partof the bottom wound-facing side of the body portion 231 of the“triangular gauze” bandage 230. The gauze pad 232 may or may not beaffixed to the body portion 231 of the “triangular gauze” bandage 230via the same adhesive as that which is used to affix the “triangulargauze” bandage 230 to a patient

FIGS. 53(a) and 53(b) are, respectively, a top non-wound facing view anda cross-sectional side view taken along the line VIII-VIII′ of anexemplary embodiment of a bandage 530 with a wound portal according tothe present invention. The bandage 530 has a body portion 531 with anaperture 533. The aperture 533 is preferably sized to be greater thanthe size of a wound it is intended to bandage. The body portion 531preferably has a shelf 532 surrounding the aperture 533. A cover 534,which is only shown in FIG. 53(b), is sized to substantially fill theaperture 533 and to extend at least partially onto the shelf 532.Preferably, the thickness of the cover 534 and the shelf 532 togethershould be approximately equal to or less than the thickness of the bodyportion 531 immediately surrounding the shelf 532 so that the top of thecover 534 will be flush or lower than portions of the body portion 531that surround the shelf 532 and the aperture 533. The cover 534 may beheld in place via an adhesive suitable for bandages as is known in theart that is either applied to the shelf 532 or to the cover 534. Theadhesive may be a reusable pressure sensitive adhesive such as that usedin post-it notes. Alternatively, the cover 534 may be held in place bysome other fastening system such as a Velcro® type fastening system.

A gauze pad 535 may be placed within the aperture 533 to cover a wound.The gauze pad 535 may be attached to the cover 534 via a reusablepressure sensitive adhesive such as that used in post-it notes or bysome other fastening system such as a Velcro® type fastening system orby a more permanent form of fastening. Alternatively, the gauze pad 535may not be attached to the cover 534 and may instead be held in place bythe cover 534 and/or by the sides of the aperture 533 without use ofadhesive.

In another alternative configuration of the wound portal as shown inFIG. 53(c), a bandage 530C has a body portion comprised a top layer 531Cand a bottom layer 531D. The top and bottom layers 531C, 531D areaffixed to each other and are sized such that the bottom layer 531Dforms a shelf 532C around an aperture 533C. Similar to the cross-sectionshown in FIG. 53(b), a cover 534C is sized to substantially cover theaperture 533C and preferably extends at least partially onto the shelf532C. Similar to the cross-section in FIG. 53(b), the gauze pad 535Cthat is within the aperture 533C may be attached to the cover 534C.Alternatively, the gauze pad 535C may not be attached to the cover 534Cand may instead be held in place by the cover 534C and/or by the sidesof the aperture 533C without use of adhesive.

In a further alternative configuration of the wound portal as shown inFIG. 53(d), similar to the configuration of the bandage 530C shown inFIG. 53(c), the bandage 530D has a body portion comprising a top layer531E and a bottom layer 531F. The top and bottom layers 531E, 531F areaffixed to each other and are sized such that the bottom layer 531Fforms a shelf 532D around an aperture 533D. A cover 534D is sized tosubstantially cover the aperture 533D and preferably extends at leastpartially onto the shelf 532D. A gauze port 536 may be a separate pieceof material attached to the bottom layer 531F or may be an integralprotuberance of the bottom layer 531F. The gauze port 536 has an areaeither on a top non-wound facing side and/or a bottom wound facing sidewhere a gauze pad 535D may be attached or removably attached. The topnon-wound facing side of the gauze port 536 is the side facing the cover534D where the gauze pad 535D is attached in FIG. 53(d). The bottomwound facing side of the gauze port 536 is the opposing side. The gauzeport 536 may be comprised of non-stretchable material and may have asurface that is configured for repeated removal and attachment of gauzeby having either a hook or loop Velcro® type fastening surface or asurface that provides a good bond with a re-stickable adhesive such asthat found in Post-it® notes. Alternatively, the surface of the gauzeport 536 may be comprised of an adhesive that allows for the permanentattachment of the gauze pad 535D. The gauze port 536 may be used toattach different sized gauze pads 535D as well as to periodicallyreplace the gauze pad 535D in the bandage 530D shown in this embodiment.The gauze port 536 may be sized and or configured so as to attach toall, a substantial portion, or a small portion such as one side of thegauze pad 535D.

In a further alternative configuration of the wound portal as shown inFIGS. 53(e) and 53(f), similar to the configuration of the bandage 530Cshown in FIG. 53(c), the bandage 530E has a body portion comprising atop layer 531G and a bottom layer 531H. The top and bottom layers 531G,531H are affixed to each other. An aperture 533E is formed in the bottomlayer 531H and the top layer 531G has a flap 534E that covers theaperture 533E in the bottom layer 531H. The flap 534E preferably extendsat least partially onto a shelf 532E that is formed at least partiallyaround the aperture 533E. The flap 534E is sized so as to allow for theplacement of a gauze pad 535E in the aperture 533E. In FIG. 53(e), theflap 534E is shown in an open position so as to access the gauze pad535E, and in FIG. 53(f), the flap 534E is shown in a closed position. Agauze port 536B may be a separate piece of material attached to thebottom layer 531H or may be an integral protuberance of the bottom layer531H. The gauze port 536B has an area either on a top non-wound facingside and/or a bottom wound facing side where a gauze pad 535E may beattached or removably attached. The top non-wound facing side of thegauze port 536B is the side facing the cover 534E where the gauze pad535E is attached in FIGS. 53(e) and 53(f). The bottom wound facing sideof the gauze port 536B is the opposing side. The gauze port 536B may becomprised of non-stretchable material and may have a surface that isconfigured for repeated removal and attachment of gauze by having eithera hook or loop Velcro® type fastening surface or a surface that providesa good bond with a re-stickable adhesive such as that found in Post-it®notes. Alternatively, the surface of the gauze port 536B may becomprised of an adhesive that allows for the permanent attachment of thegauze pad 535E. The gauze port 536B may be used to attach differentsized gauze pads 535E as well as to periodically replace the gauze pad535E in the bandage 530E shown in this embodiment. The gauze port 536Bmay be sized and or configured so as to attach to all, a substantialportion, or a small portion such as one side of the gauze pad 535E.Alternatively, instead of the gauze pad 535E attaching to the gauze port536B, the gauze pad 535E may be unattached and held in place by thecover 534E, or the gauze port 536B may be attached to the cover 534E.

FIGS. 54(a) and 54(b) are, respectively, a top non-wound facing view anda cross-sectional side view taken along the line IX-IX′ of anotherexemplary embodiment of a bandage 540 with a wound portal according tothe present invention. The bandage 540 has a body portion 541 with anaperture 543. The aperture 543 is preferably sized to be greater thanthe size of a wound it is intended to bandage. Affixed to the bodyportion 541 around the perimeter of the aperture 543 is a flexible, yetnon-stretchable or substantially non-stretchable rim 542, which may bemade of a material such as silicone rubber. The rim 542 may be affixedto the non-wound facing side of the body portion 541, as shown in FIG.54(b), or on the edges of the body portion 541 that surround and formthe walls of the aperture 543 (not shown). The rim 542 is sized andconfigured so as to allow for removable attachment of a cover 544. Thecover 544, which is only shown in FIG. 54(b), is sized to extend atleast partially onto the rim 542 so as to close the aperture 543. Agauze pad 545 may be permanently or removably attached to the bottomwound-facing side of the cover 544. Alternatively, the gauze pad 545 maynot be attached to the cover 544 and may instead be held in place by thecover 544 and/or by the sides of the aperture 543 without use ofadhesive. The cover 544 may be held in place via an adhesive suitablefor bandages as is known in the art that is either applied to the rim542 or to the cover 544. The adhesive may be a reusable pressuresensitive adhesive such as that used in Post-it® notes. Alternatively,the cover 544 may be held in place by some other fastening system suchas a Velcro® type fastening system.

FIGS. 55(a) and 55(b) are, respectively, a top non-wound facing view anda cross-sectional side view taken along the line X-X′ of anotherexemplary embodiment of a bandage 550 with a wound portal according tothe present invention. The bandage 550 has a body portion 551 with anaperture 553. The aperture 553 is preferably sized to be greater thanthe size of a wound it is intended to bandage. The body portion 551 hasa recess 556 in a bottom portion around the aperture 553. Although therecess 556 is not visible from the top non-wound facing view of thebandage 550, the recess 556 is indicated by a dashed line. The cover554, shown only in FIG. 55(b) affixes to the top non-wound-facingsurface of the body portion 551. As shown in FIG. 55(b), the gauze 555that is within the aperture 553 is not attached to the cover 554 and isinstead held in place by a protuberance from the top portion of the bodyportion 551 formed above the recess 556 around the aperture 553.However, as in previous embodiments of the bandages with a wound portal,the gauze 555 may be attached in some manner similar to that discussedby the gauze 545.

FIGS. 56(a) and 56(b) are, respectively, a top non-wound facing view anda cross-sectional side view taken along the line XI-XI′ of an exemplaryembodiment of a bandage 560 with a wound portal with a “diamond gauze”configuration according to the present invention. It should be notedthat the bandage 560 incorporates a “diamond gauze” configuration,comparable to that of the bandage 140, with the wound portalconfiguration of the bandage 530. However, other wound portalconfigurations such as those in the bandages 530C, 530D, 530E may,alternatively, be used in the bandage 560. Moreover, all “diamond gauze”and “triangle gauze” bandage configurations may incorporate woundportals with configurations such as those shown in the bandages 530,530C, 530D, and 530E.

The bandage 560 has a body portion 561 with an aperture 563 that is asquare shape. Alternatively, the aperture 563 may be configured in theshape of a diamond or rhombus. Corners of the aperture 563 are offsetfrom the corners of the body portion 561 such that the sides of theaperture 563 are not parallel to the sides of the body portion 561. Theaperture 563 may have the same center point as the body portion 561,and/or each of the corners of the aperture 563 may be oriented toward amid-point of one of the sides of body portion 561. A bottom wound-facingside of the body portion 561 may have adhesive such as those used forbandages in the art. The aperture 563 is preferably sized to be greaterthan the size of a wound it is intended to bandage. The body portion 561preferably has a shelf 562 surrounding the aperture 563.

A cover 564, which is only shown in FIG. 56(b), is sized tosubstantially fill the aperture 563 and to extend at least partiallyonto the shelf 562. Preferably, the thickness of the cover 564 and theshelf 562 together should be approximately equal to or less than thethickness of the body portion 561 immediately surrounding the shelf 562so that the top of the cover 564 will be flush or lower than portions ofthe body portion 561 that surround the shelf 562 and the aperture 563.The cover 564 may be held in place via an adhesive suitable for bandagesas is known in the art that is either applied to the shelf 562 or to thecover 564. The adhesive may be a reusable pressure sensitive adhesivesuch as that used in Post-it® notes. Alternatively, the cover 564 may beheld in place by some other fastening system such as a Velcro® typefastening system.

A gauze pad 565 may be placed within the aperture 563 to cover a wound.The gauze pad 565 may be attached to the cover 564 via a reusablepressure sensitive adhesive such as that used in Post-it® notes or bysome other fastening system such as a Velcro® type fastening system orby a more permanent form of fastening. Alternatively, the gauze pad 565may not be attached to the cover 564 and may instead be held in place bythe cover 564 and/or by the sides of the aperture 563 without use ofadhesive.

FIG. 57 is a top non-wound facing view of an exemplary embodiment of abandage 570, according to the present invention. The bandage 570incorporates the wound portal configuration of the bandage 270 into thewound/bandage protector 60. In other words, the bandage 570 has a bodyportion 571 that is configured as a wrap, first-catch fastening surface572 and two fastening straps 573 that are configured in the same manneras in the wound/bandage protector 60 with an aperture 574, shelf 575,cover (not shown in figure) and gauze pad (not shown in figure)configured in the same manner as in the bandage 570. All of theexemplary embodiments of wound portal bandage configurations discussedabove such as those shown in the exemplary embodiments of bandages shownin FIGS. 53-56 may be incorporated into any of the exemplarywound/bandage protectors shown in FIGS. 2-11, 61, 65 and 66 and/or withany of the exemplary “diamond gauze” and “triangular gauze” bandagesshown in FIGS. 12-23, 26-52 and 64. Moreover, any of the exemplarywound/bandage protectors shown in FIGS. 2-11, 61, 65 and 66 may becombined with any of the “diamond gauze” and “triangular gauze” bandagesshown in FIGS. 12-23, 26-52 without a wound portal configuration. Forexample, FIGS. 63 (a)-63(b) show respectively, a bottom wound facingview and a side view of an alternative exemplary configuration of thewound/bandage protector 60 according to the present invention. In thisconfiguration, instead of the gauze pad 69, a gauze pad 639 is attachedor removably attached to the wound-facing side of the body portion 61 ina “diamond gauze” configuration. Moreover, instead of the gauze port62A, a gauze port 632A may be configured in a “v” shape (as shown), tofollow a portion of the perimeter of the gauze pad 639 or may have anyother configuration that provides for attachment of all or a portion ofthe gauze pad 639.

FIGS. 58(a) and 58(b) are, respectively, a top view and a sidecross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII′ of an exemplaryembodiment of a frictional gauze pad 580 according to the presentinvention. The frictional gauze pad 580 has a pad portion 581 and aframe 582. The pad portion 581 may be comprised of materials similar tothat of the frictional gauze pads discussed above. The frame 582 isattached to and extends from the edge of the pad portion 581. The frame582 may be comprised of a self-adherent material or a rubberized ortacky material and may have a similar configuration as the strip 62 inFIG. 6(a) above. The frictional gauze pad 580 can be used instead of agauze port or similar method of securing the gauze in place by providinga frictional or similar resistance between the frame 582 of thefrictional gauze pad 580 and a bandage and/or a frictional or similarresistance between the frictional gauze pad 580 and the area surroundingthe wound. Thus, for example, in the wound/bandage protector 60, in lieuof providing a gauze port 62A, one may use the frictional gauze pad 580.In addition, the wound/bandage protector 60 may be further configured toinclude a corresponding self-adherent material or a rubberized or tackysurface on the wound facing side of the body portion 61 to furtherenhance the frictional or similar resistance between the wound/bandageprotector 60 and the frictional gauze pad 580. One skilled in the artwould understand that this frictional gauze pad 580 may be applied toany and all of the bandages discussed above as well as to other bandagesknown in the art.

FIGS. 59(a)-(e) show alternative exemplary embodiments of a frictionalgauze pad according to the present invention. FIG. 59(a) may be a topview and/or a bottom view of a gauze pad 590 with a pad portion 591 anda frame 592. The pad portion 591 may be comprised of materials similarto that of the frictional gauze pad 290, discussed above. The frame 592may be affixed to the top and/or bottom surface of the pad portion 591.Alternatively, the frame 592 may be attached to and extend from the edgeof the pad portion 591. The frame 592 may be comprised of aself-adherent material or a rubberized or tacky material. FIG. 59(b) isa side cross-sectional view of one alternative embodiment of africtional gauze pad 590B, with a frame 592B, that has the sameconfiguration as the frame 592, attached to the top surface of a padportion 591B of the frictional gauze pad 590B. FIG. 59(c) is a sidecross-sectional view of another alternative embodiment of a frictionalgauze pad 590C, with a frame 592C, that has the same configuration asthe frame 592, attached to the bottom surface of a pad portion 591C ofthe frictional gauze pad 590C. FIG. 59(d) is a side cross-sectional viewof another alternative embodiment of a frictional gauze pad 590D, with aframe 592D, that has the same configuration as the frame 592, attachedto both the top surface and the bottom surface of a pad portion 591D ofthe frictional gauze pad 590D. FIG. 59(e) is a side cross-sectional viewof another alternative embodiment of a frictional gauze pad 590E inwhich a frame 592E is extended to cover the entire top surface of a padportion 591E. This embodiment may be combined with the frictional gauzepad 590C in which the frame 592C is attached to the bottom of the padportion 591C.

FIGS. 61(a)-61(c) are, respectively, a top non-wound facing view, abottom wound facing view, and a cross-sectional side view taken alongthe line XIV-XIV′ of an exemplary embodiment of a wound/bandageprotector 610 according to the present invention. The exemplaryembodiment of the wound/bandage protector 610 has a body portion 611that is configured as a wrap which may be comprised of super-stretchmaterial similar to the super-stretch material used in the body 21, 31of the bandage mittens/socks 20, 30. The body portion 611 is configuredto act as a loop portion of a Velcro® type fastener on both the bottomwound-facing side of the wound/bandage protector 610 and the topnon-wound facing side of the wound/bandage protector 610. The bodyportion 611 has a length that runs from a first end 611A to a second end611B with a first end region 613A that extends along the length of thebody portion 611 from the first end 611A to a central region 615, thecentral region extending along the length of the body portion from thefirst end region 613A to a second end region 613B, and the second endregion extending along the length of the body portion from the centralregion 615 to the second end 611B. The stretchable material of the bodyportion 611 at least provides such stretching capacity in a manner thatallows the length of the body portion 611, i.e. the distance between thefirst end 611A and the second end 611B, to vary. The stretchablematerial of the body portion 611 may alternatively provide suchstretching capacity that allows both the length of the body portion 611as well as a width of the body portion 611, which is perpendicular tothe length of the body portion 611, to vary.

A gauze port 612 is preferably positioned on or integrated into thecentral region 615 of the body portion 611 adjacent or proximal to thefirst end region 613A. The gauze port 612 is an area where a portion ofa gauze pad 619 may be attached or removably attached to thewound-facing side of the body portion 611. The gauze port 612 may becomprised of non-stretchable material and may have a surface at least onthe wound facing side of the wound/bandage protector 610 that isconfigured for repeated removal and attachment of gauze by having eithera hook or loop Velcro® type fastening surface or that provides a goodbond with a re-stickable adhesive such as that found in Post-it® notes.Alternatively, the surface of the gauze port 612 at least on the woundfacing side of the wound/bandage protector 610 may be configured forpermanent attachment of the gauze pad 619 to the body portion such as bypermanent adhesive. The gauze port 612 may be used to attach differentsized gauze pads 619 as well as to periodically replace the gauze pad619 in the wound/bandage protector 610 shown in this embodiment. Thegauze port 612 may be sized and/or configured so as to attach to all, asubstantial portion, or a small portion such as one side of the gauzepad 619.

The first end region 613A is tapered so as to provide a gradualdiminution in the width of the body portion 611 as the first end regionextends in a length direction toward the first end 611A. On the firstend region 613A, although not necessarily on the entire first end region613A, is a fastening portion 614 that can engage and hold fast to thebody portion 611 on the top non-wound facing side of the wound/bandageprotector 610, or a portion thereof. The fastening portion 614 may bemade of a Velcro® hook type material provided on the bottom wound-facingside of the wound/bandage protector 610. The fastening portion 614preferably extends to the first end 611A.

The second end region 613B is tapered so as to provide a gradualdiminution in the width of the body portion 611 as the second end regionextends in a length direction toward the second end 611B. On the woundfacing side of the second end region 613B is a frictional portion 616that provides resistance to motion between the wound/bandage protector610 and a surface to which it is applied, such as skin, hair, or fur.The frictional portion 616 may have one or more threads made of arubberized material that provides a moderate amount of frictioninterwoven in the frictional portion 616 in such a manner that therubberized material threads are exposed. Alternatively, the frictionalportion 616 may be made of a material or a coating that provides africtional surface. Preferably, the amount of friction provided by thefrictional surface of the frictional portion 616 should be one that doesnot cause discomfort when the wound/bandage protector 610 is worn. Thefrictional portion 616 may, alternatively, be positioned between thegauze port 612 and the first end region 613A, similar to the strip # inthe exemplary wound/bandage protector # as well as other exemplaryembodiments of wound/bandage protectors provided herein. Alternatively,the frictional portion 616 may be provided on another portion of thewound-facing side of the wound/bandage protector 610 that does notconflict with the gauze pad 619, the gauze port 612, or the fasteningportion 614. Similarly, the other exemplary embodiments of wound/bandageprotectors provided herein may have a frictional portion positioned in asimilar or equivalent manner as that of wound/bandage protector 610. Inaddition, the frictional portion 616 of wound/bandage protector 610 maybe provided along the top non-wound facing side of the wound/bandageprotector 610 and/or the bottom wound facing side of the wound/bandageprotector 610.

On the second end region 613B is a first catch fastening surface 613 onthe non-wound-facing side of the wound/bandage protector 610. The firstcatch fastening surface 613 preferably extends to the second end 611B.The first catch fastening surface 613 may be made of a Velcro® hook typematerial so that the first catch fastening surface 613 may securelyfasten to a portion of the wound facing side of the body portion 611when the wound/bandage protector 610 is being secured. Thus the firstcatch fastening surface 613, as in all the exemplary wound/bandageprotector embodiments disclosed herein, allows for initially securingthe wound/bandage protector 610 around a limb and then for furthertightening and/or securing of the wound/bandage protector 610 byfastening the fastening portion 614 to a portion of the non-wound facingside of the body portion 611.

FIGS. 65(a)-(c) illustrate a top non-wound-facing view, a bottom woundfacing view, and a cross-sectional side view taken along the lineXVII-XVII′ of a wound/bandage protector 650, which is an alternativearrangement for the wound/bandage protector 610. In this alternativearrangement, all the elements and structural limitations are the same,except that the frictional portion 326 is positioned on the bottom woundfacing side of the wound/bandage protector 650 between the gauze port322 and the first end 321A, i.e. preferably within the first end region323A and the first catch fastening surface 323 on the non-wound-facingside of the wound/bandage protector 610 within the first end region323A, while the fastening portion 324 is positioned on the wound-facingside of the wound/bandage protector 610 within the second end region323B. In addition, a portion of the frictional portion 326 may alsoprovide the necessary functionality of the gauze port 322.

FIGS. 62(a)-62(c) are, respectively, a top non-wound-facing view, abottom wound facing view, and a cross-sectional side view taken alongthe line XV-XV′ of an exemplary bandage wrap protector/holder 620according to the present invention. The exemplary embodiment of thebandage wrap protector/holder 620 has a body portion 621 that ispreferably comprised of super-stretch material similar to thesuper-stretch material used in the body 21, 31 of the bandagemittens/socks 20, 30. If the bandage wrap protector/holder 620 isprimarily intended to be used as a bandage holder, then thesuper-stretch material of the body portion 621 may have a relativelyhigh elastic modulus. If the bandage wrap protector/holder 620 isprimarily intended to be used as a bandage protector, then thesuper-stretch material of the body portion 621 may have a relatively lowelastic modulus. In the exemplary embodiment, the body portion 621 isconfigured to act as a loop portion of a Velcro® type fastener on boththe bottom wound-facing side of the bandage wrap protector/holder 620and the top non-wound facing side of the bandage wrap protector/holder620. Alternatively, the bandage wrap protector/holder 620 may beconfigured to act as a loop portion of a Velcro® type fastener only onthe top non-wound facing side of the bandage wrap protector/holder 620or the bandage wrap protector/holder 620 may not be configured to act asa loop portion of a Velcro® type fastener at all. The body portion 621has a length that runs from a first end 621A to a second end 621B with afirst end region 623A that extends along the length of the body portion621 from the first end 621A to a central region 625, the central region625 extending along the length of the body portion from the first endregion 623A to a second end region 623B, and the second end regionextending along the length of the body portion from the central region625 to the second end 621B. The stretchable material of the body portion621 at least provides such stretching capacity in a manner that allowsthe length of the body portion 621 to vary. The stretchable material ofthe body portion 621 may, alternatively, provide such stretchingcapacity that allows both the length of the body portion 621 as well asa width of the body portion 621 which is perpendicular to the length ofthe body portion 621 to vary. Both the first end region 623A and thesecond end region 623B are preferably tapered so as to provide a gradualdiminution in the width of the body portion 621 as the first and secondend regions 623A, 623B extend lengthwise from the central region 625. Onthe wound facing side of the bandage wrap protector/holder 620 both thefirst and second end regions 623A, 623B have fastening portions 624A,624B that are configured as hook portions of a Velcro® type fastener.The fastening portions 624A, 624B preferably extend to the first andsecond ends 621A, 621B, respectively.

The exemplary bandage wrap protector/holder 620 may be used in severalways. First, the bandage wrap protector/holder 620 may be used asbandage holder. For example, a limb with a wound that is wrapped with abandaging material wrap (similar to a regular Ace-type bandage) that canact as a loop portion of a Velcro® type fastener on a non-wound/limbfacing side of the bandaging material wrap may be kept closed by thebandage wrap protector/holder 620. (For all exemplary embodimentsdescribed herein, other types of fasteners may be implemented and,therefore, for whatever type of fastener is implemented for the bandagewrap protector/holder 620, a complementary fastener would be implementedon the bandaging material wrap.) In such a case, the bandage wrapprotector/holder 620 may be secured by one of the fastening portions624A, 624B to a non-wound/limb facing side of the bandaging materialwrap on or close to the external/exposed end of the bandaging materialwrap. The wrap protector/holder 620 then is extended rotationally aroundthe bandaging material wrap in the same direction as the bandagingmaterial wrap was wound around the limb and then the other one of thefastening portions 624A, 624B may then be secured to anotherexternal/exposed portion of the bandaging material wrap. Alternatively,the wrap protector/holder 620 may be extended entirely around thecircumference of the limb and then the other one of the fasteningportions 624A, 624B may then be secured to a non-wound facing side ofthe body portion 621 of the wrap protector/holder 620. In this case, thebody portion 621 preferably has a width that is greater than the widthof the bandaging material wrap so as to completely cover and protect thebandaging material wrap. It is also preferable in this case that thebody portion 621 of the wrap protector/holder 620 be comprised ofmaterial that is breathable and water resistant.

Alternatively, the wrap protector/holder 620 may be used as a firstcatch fastener/holder for the bandaging material wrap by securing one ofthe fastening portions 624A, 624B to the wound/limb facing side of thebandaging material wrap on or close to the internal/covered end of thebandaging material wrap. The bandaging material wrap may then be wrappedaround the circumference of the limb by first extending length-wise awayfrom the body portion 621 and attaching to the wrap protector/holder 620via the other one of the fastening portions 624A, 624B.

Furthermore, the wrap protector/holder 620 may be used in conjunctionwith one or more fastening bases to cover a wound/bandage. FIGS.63(a)-63(c) are respectively an exemplary embodiment of a non-wound/limbfacing side, a wound/limb facing side and a cross-sectional side viewtaken along the line XVI-XVI′ of an exemplary embodiment of a fasteningbase 630 according to the present invention. On the non-wound/limbfacing side of the body portion 631, all or a portion of the bodyportion 631 of the fastening base 630 is configured to act as a loopportion of a Velcro® type fastener. On the wound/limb facing side of thebody portion 631, all or a portion of the body portion 631 of thefastening base 630 has an adhesive 632 known in the art of bandaging foradhering to skin, hair, fur, etc. The fastening base 630 may, forexample, be adhesively attached to a limb, positioned away from awound/bandage on the limb via the adhesive 632. The wrapprotector/holder 620 may then be coupled to the fastening base 630 byfastening one of the fastening portions 624A, 624B of the wrapprotector/holder 620 to the non-wound facing side of the fastening base630, then extending the body portion 621 of the wrap protector/holder620 over the wound and then fastening the other one of the fasteningportions 624A, 624B to the fastening base 630 on the other side of thewound. Together, the wrap protector/holder 620 and the fastening base630 thereby traverse the entire circumference of the limb.Alternatively, two fastening bases may be adhesively attached to thelimb, positioned on opposing sides of a wound/bandage via an adhesive onthe wound/limb facing side of the fastening base so as to allow forfastening the protector/holder 620 to the limb with one of the fasteningportions 624A, 624B fastened to one of the fastening bases and the otherone of the fastening portions 624A, 624B attached to the secondfastening base and the body portion 621 of the wrap protector/holder 620extending over the wound/bandage, without the need to traverse theentire circumference of the limb.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary innature, and therefore, the spirit and the scope of the invention are byno means restricted to what is described above or intended to representevery possible embodiment of the invention. For example, when Velcro ismentioned, the hook portion could be the loop portion and the loopportion could be the hook portion, or it could be a different type offastening system altogether such as reusable adhesive with a surfacethat can adhere well to a reusable adhesive or magnetic fasteners, or aself adhering material surfaces, snaps, buttons. Moreover, wherereusable adhesive is mentioned, could also be any other form offastening, or releasable fastening, and in cases where permanentfastening is a possibility, use of other methods of attachment such asheat and punch, radio frequency sealing, ultrasonic sealing or bondingor sewing may also be used. A gauze pad does not need to be square orrectangular it may be any shape that is sufficient to treat a particularwound. The wound/bandage protectors may or may not be configured with afirst catch tab and the tab may or may not be configured with a fasteneror fastening surface. Likewise, structural limitations discussed by oneexemplary embodiment of a wound/bandage protector or sock/mitten orbandage or adhesive bandage may be applied to other exemplaryembodiments of the wound/bandage protector or sock/mitten or bandage oradhesive bandage.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wrapping, comprising: a. a body configured as a sock/mitten having a first end that is open, a second end that is closed, an internal side, and an external side; and b. a fastening strap attached to the body and having an internal side and an external side, wherein a non-slip grip material is disposed on the internal side of the body, wherein the fastening strap extends entirely or partially around the external side of the body and fastens to at least one of the external side of the body and the external side of the fastening strap upon the fastening strap being wrapped around a body part and fastened, wherein the non-slip grip material is adapted to contact the body part upon the fastening strap being wrapped around the body part and fastened, wherein the fastening strap is attached to the body at an attachment region, and the attachment region is a dead zone that provides little to no stretch. 